Freeze Dried Fruit in Emergency Preparedness

Are you prepared for a disaster? If you're setting up a food storage to last you for several years, fruits serve as both sustenance and nutritious snacks that remain delicious and healthy for an extremely long time. But what makes these fruits so special, and how does this process of freeze drying even work?

Understanding Freeze Dried Fruits

Before we delve deeper, let's understand what freeze dried fruits are all about.

What is Freeze Drying?

The process is known as lyophilisation, ‘lyo' from the Greek word for water and ‘phil' from the Latin word for love. It is also perhaps best-known as ‘freeze drying'. More specifically, it's a technique of dehydration in which the aim is either to preserve a perishable material or, less commonly, to make that material easier to transport. At its core, freeze drying is based on the fundamental chemical process of sublimation, which occurs when a material that is in its most stable form (so-called ‘solid' form) turns into a gas without going through the intermediate liquid phase. What makes freeze drying successful is the ability to take this phase transition and perform it without excessive heating, using a slightly counterintuitive approach: freezing the material first, then reducing the surrounding pressure and adding heat to draw the frozen water from the material directly into the gas phase.

Benefits of Freeze Dried Fruits

Freeze dried fruits retain their original physical shape, colour and crucially the nutritional content. Since the dried version has a significantly smaller mass, they are easy to carry and store for long term food storage. Additionally, they are quick to rehydrate making them handy for use in any recipe.

Role of Freeze Dried Fruits in Long Term Food Storage

The significance of freeze dried fruits in your food storage strategy cannot be understated.

The Shelf Life of Freeze Dried Fruits

If they are kept in an airtight container and in a cool, dry place, even whole freeze dried foods such as fruit can last for years – or even decades.

Preserving Nutritional Value in Long Term Storage

This freeze-dried produce will keep indefinitely because the vitamins and nutrients of the fruit stay locked in, just like when the fruit was freshly picked. During an emergency, you likely won't have time to go on a shopping spree to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Using Freeze Dried Fruits as Nutritious Snacks

But did you also know that you can eat these fruits as a regular snack? Let's find out.

Healthy Snacking with Freeze Dried Fruits

Freeze dried fruits are not only healthy, they make a great snack. They're full of nutrients. You can eat the dried fruit right in the package by breaking off a piece or you can put it in other foods like oatmeal, yogurt.

Creating Delicious Recipes with Freeze Dried Fruits

A little creativity allows you to substitute freeze dried fruit in all sorts of recipes, from smoothies to breads. Whether you are stockpiling for a doomsday scenario or simply want to add robust flavours to your favourite dishes, freeze dried food can be both delicious and nutritious.

How to Incorporate Freeze Dried Fruits in Your Prepper Supplies

Thinking of buying some freeze dried fruit for your prepper supplies? Here's how to do it.

Choosing the Right Fruits for Freeze Drying

Almost any fruit can be put through the process – but some are better for it than others. Berries, apples, peaches and bananas. Black raspberries, purpose-planted in an overgrown yard, replaced the beans.

Storing and Packing Freeze Dried Fruits

Proper storage is critical to maintaining the shelf life of dehydrated fruits. they should be kept in airtight container away from any heat or light.

Common Questions About Freeze Dried Fruits and Emergency Preparedness

You may have some questions about this topic, and we've got you covered.

Conclusion: Why Freeze Dried Fruits are Essential for Emergency Preparedness

In conclusion freeze dried fruits are a very practical, nutritious and long-storage life modern food. they are part of any general long-term emergency management food storate plan.

FAQs:

Can you freeze dry your own fruit at home?

Yes, but you need the right equipment and know-how.

What types of foods can be turned into meals-ready-to-eat beyond MREs?

Sunrise ran a series of articles on the possibilities: ‘You'll find that nearly all vegetables can be dehydrated; meats, dairy products, and whole meals can be just as easily dehydrated as veggies.'

Do freeze dried fruits taste the same?

Yes, freeze dried fruits still tastes good, it is also a healthy options for snacking and cooking.

How can I rehydrate the fruits?

Just soak them in water for a few minutes! They reconstitute very quickly and you can use them just like fresh fruit in your recipes.

Now to the question: ‘How long do freeze dried fruits last?',

freeze dried fruits in storage will last years, decades; in the fridge – weeks, in cool, dry air without the glass container – days.