Lyophilization, often known as freeze-drying, is a relatively new method of food processing and preservation useful especially during emergencies. However, in terms of food taste and appearance, shelf life, nutrient values, weight, volume, or preparation method, it outperforms all other preservation methods.
You will appreciate their value in a disaster where fresh foods are unavailable or outdoor activities like camping whereby preparing a fresh meal would be highly cumbersome or inconvenient.
Advantages of Freeze-dried Survival Foods
The following are the advantages of freeze-dried survival foods over other options:
Maintains shape and appearance
Freeze-dried foods have the same flavor and appearance as fresh foods. Freeze drying does not cause the food to shrink or harden; instead, it keeps its scent, form, and taste. Food products undergo rehydration and are identical to their fresh counterparts.
Increase the shelf life
The shelf life of freeze-dried items is quite long. Food can last anywhere between 15 and 25 years if properly preserved. Even after this time, the products will be safe to eat, with the same flavor and nutritional content as the day they were freeze-dried. Dehydrated and frozen foods, on the other hand, have a two-year shelf life.
Preserve nutritional state
Food is only minimally harmed by freeze-drying. During the freeze-drying process, freeze-dried foodstuffs retain around 95% of their nutrients. However, because the heat needed during the process breaks down some of the food’s vitamins and minerals, other methods, such as dehydration, only retain 60% of the nutritional content.
Easy to prepare
Freeze-dried foods are straightforward to prepare; all you have to do is add hot or cold water depending on the menu, wait a few minutes, and voilĂ !
Best-Tasting Freeze-Dried Survival Meals
Some of the best tasting freeze-dried survival meals available in the market include:
1. EMP Provisions Vegan Meals
It is not easy for vegans to find packed survival meals in the market, but EMP Provisions have various freeze-dried foods that will meet your dietary needs without forcing you to change your lifestyle. EMP vegan meals are organic and contain no additional preservatives. The meals are full of delicious flavors from different parts of the world.
2. EMP Provisions Lactose-Free Meals
Don’t stack up on survival meals you can only eat unless you have to, while EMP Provisions has a wide selection of freeze-dried meals ideal for customers who prefer a lactose-free diet. The lactose-free freeze-dried foods are nutritious, tasty, and easy to prepare. Some of the choices include Sunny rice salad or Japanese-inspired Teriyaki Rice.
3. EMP Provisions Freeze Dried Breakfast
Breakfast is the first and most essential meal of the day, whether you are in the comfort of your own home or a camp in the middle of nowhere. EMPO provisions offers plenty of options for you to choose from, like a mixture of raspberry and vanilla granola, mixed berry couscous, apple, and cinnamon granola, apple crisp, and Chia Delight with almonds and cranberries. The wide selection allows you to eat what you prefer and switch up the meals to avoid monotony.
4. EMP Provisions Soups
A hot bowl of Coconut Thai Soup is a good idea, especially if you are hiking or mountain climbing, as it’s getting colder with the climb. EMP Provisions have made it easy for you to enjoy freeze-dried foods to keep you warm and equip you with the nutrients you need to survive outside. Some of the soups you should not forget to pack include Coconut Thai soup, Ranchero soup, chicken and orzo soup, and beef stew with vegetables and potatoes.
5. EMP Provisions Vegetarian Meals
There is a wide range of options for non-meat lovers that require minimal effort to prepare and taste delicious. EMP Provisions provide the ovo-Lacto vegetarians with vegetarian meals to enjoy and guarantee you won’t miss the meat. Some of the company’s offers include the cheesy goodness of Mom’s dried tomato, cheese macaroni, raspberry, and granola milk.
6. EMP Provisions Gluten-Free Meals
EMP Provisions understands the hustle that comes with finding great freeze-dried gluten-free meals in the supermarkets. For the people striving to lower their gluten intake, this company has the proper selection. Their offers include bean-based vegetarian taco or vegetarian chili and tortilla mix. The products are 99% gluten-free, but are not recommended for individuals with Celiac disease or other restrictive diet medical conditions.
7. EMP Provisions Freeze-Dried Dinners
To conclude the day in style, EMP provisions has some fantastic dinners you can enjoy before retiring for the night. You can choose cheese and mushroom risotto or Neapolitan spaghetti, depending on what tickles your palate. The freeze-dried meals are easy to prepare as they require some hot water.
8. EMP Provisions Desserts
EMP Provisions’ popular dessert choices include apple crisp or chia delight with almond and cranberries. The dessert options are great to boost energy after dinner or in the mid-afternoon. Freeze-dried dessert options are sweet and make for good rewards after completing the targets you set daily. The dessert meals equip you with the nutrients your body requires to function and give you energy.
9. NuManna Organic Foods
Production of NuManna organic products started in 2001, and over the years, they have developed some freeze-dried products you can buy for survival. Some of their products are family packs, defender packs, combo packs, and Grab-n-Go. NuManna products are well packaged, nutritious, long-lasting, and are free of GMOs. One popular product is the NuManna Freeze-Dried Diced Chicken Breast.
10. ReadyWise Foods
ReadyWise is a well-known brand of freeze-dried foods with a wide selection of survival kits. Their products include meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and shakes. Their freeze-dried foods have a long shelf life, are nutritious and affordable.
When looking for the best-tasting survival meals, find a reputable company that provides healthy, affordable, and tasty freeze-dried foods. You are entitled to a good meal, whether you are camping, hiking, boating, or trying to survive a natural crisis.
The best freeze-dried are easy to prepare to help you overcome the challenges you can face while preparing a meal outside your home. All you need to add to the meals is some hot water, wait for a few minutes and then enjoy your freeze-dried meal. Meal options you can get in the market today range from breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and soups.