If you’re looking for a healthy, convenient, and affordable way to stock your pantry, you should consider buying freeze-dried foods. Freeze drying is a process that removes water from food while preserving its nutritional value. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables all year round, without having to worry about spoilage. In this blog post, we will discuss the healthiest freeze-dried foods you can buy!
What Are Freeze-Dried Foods?
Modern freeze-drying starts off with frozen produce (like supermarket freezers), and then it is put in a large vacuum chamber where the frozen water that is inside the food sublimates under controlled conditions. The end result is freeze-dried foods that are lightweight, but still keep the same original colors and tastes of the food. An added benefit is that these foods won’t spoil for years.
Freeze-Dried foods also retain the macronutrients, micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and phytonutrients incredibly well. There are studies that have shown that freeze-dried foods retain about 90% of the original fresh food’s nutrition.
This leaves behind food that is lightweight and easy to store, but which still contains all the nutrients of the fresh version. Freeze-dried foods are a healthy choice for a number of reasons.
The Healthiest Freeze-dried Foods to Buy
The healthiest freeze-dried foods to buy are real, whole foods that have been frozen to retain their natural nutritional value. Some of my personal favorites are dark-colored berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. . Here are a few of the healthiest freeze-dried foods to buy:
- Fruits and vegetables: Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are a great way to get your daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. They’re also low in calories and fat.
- Meat: Freeze-dried meats are an excellent source of protein. Did you know that you can get freeze-dried meats? Now you do!
- Dairy: Freeze-dried dairy products are a good source of calcium and other essential nutrients.
How to Store and Prepare Freeze-Dried Foods
There are many benefits to freeze-dried foods, such as their long shelf life and ease of preparation. However, if they are not stored properly, freeze-dried foods can quickly lose their flavor and nutrients. Here are a few tips for storing and preparing freeze-dried foods:
The easiest advice we can give you is to store freeze-dried food in an airtight container to prevent it from reabsorbing moisture and spoiling. If you’re looking for the longest-term storage of freeze-dried food then you should get mylar bags. It’s a good idea to add oxygen absorbers to these mylar bags to make sure the food keeps good.
To be honest, many of the freeze-dried foods you store can be eaten without rehydrating. However, if you’re looking to rehydrate them, you can. To rehydrate the fruit, just place it in a bowl of water and let it soak until it is rehydrated. You can also spritz it with water. With veggies, you can prepare them just as if they were from your garden. You can add hot water to a bowl of freeze-fried veggies and they’ll rehydrate.
To prepare freeze-dried foods, simply add water and let the food rehydrate for a few minutes. Then, cook the food according to your recipe or enjoy it as is. Freeze-dried foods can also be added directly to soups or casseroles without rehydrating first. Keep in mind that freeze-dried foods will generally take longer to cook than fresh or frozen foods.
What Brand Of Freeze-Dried Food Is Best?
When it comes to freeze-dried food, there are a lot of brands to choose from. So, how do you know which one is best? Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
1. Shelf life: All freeze-dried food has a limited shelf life. Some brands last longer than others, so be sure to check expiration dates before you buy.
2. Taste: Freeze-dried food can taste bland or even slightly “off” if it’s not stored properly. Be sure to read reviews to see what other people have to say about the taste of different brands.
3. Nutrition: Not all freeze-dried foods are created equal when it comes to nutrition. Some brands pack more nutrients into their products than others. If you’re looking for a nutritious option, be sure to compare labels before you buy.
4. Price: Freeze-dried food can be expensive, so be sure to compare prices before you make your purchase. Keep in mind that with most things, you get what you pay for – so don’t always go for the cheapest option.
5. Storage: Some brands of freeze-dried food come with special storage containers that help prolong shelf life and prevent freezer burn. If storage is a concern for you, be sure to look for a product that comes with a storage container.
Freeze-dried food is a great option for long-term food storage, but it’s important to choose the right brand for your needs. By keeping the above factors in mind, you can be sure to find a product that will meet your needs and provide you with the nutrition you need in an emergency situation.
I recommend the Augason Farms freeze-dried food.
Are Freeze-Dried Foods Healthier?
There’s no denying that freeze-dried foods have come a long way since they were first introduced. Today, you can find freeze-dried options for just about anything, from fruits and vegetables to meat and seafood. But are freeze-dried foods actually healthier than their fresh or frozen counterparts?
The main advantage of freeze-drying is that it preserves food without the use of chemicals or additives. This means that freeze-dried foods retain all of their nutrients, making them a great option for those looking to get the most out of their food. Freeze-drying also eliminates bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause food spoilage, so you can be sure that your food will stay fresh for longer.
Another benefit of freeze-drying is that it makes food easier to store and transport. Freeze-dried foods are lightweight and compact, so they’re easy to take with you on the go. And because they don’t require refrigeration, you can store them almost anywhere.
So, are freeze-dried foods healthier than “fresh foods”? The answer is a resounding yes! If you’ve looked into your food, you will have learned that typical store-bought “fresh” fruits and vegetables are harvested early, artificially ripened, and then lose up to half of their nutrients while being transported and refrigerated. With all of the benefits that freeze-drying has to offer, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to switch to this convenient and healthy option.
If you really want to dive deep into the subject, there is more information in this study titled: Selected nutrient analyses of fresh, fresh-stored, and frozen fruits and vegetables from ScienceDirect.
Is Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Healthier?
When it comes to preserving food, there are a variety of methods to choose from. Freeze-drying and dehydration are two of the most popular methods, but it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Both freeze-drying and dehydration remove moisture from food, but they do so in different ways.
Freeze-drying involves freezing the food and then vacuum sealing it, while dehydration uses heat to remove moisture. As a result, freeze-dried foods tend to retain more of their original flavor and nutrients than dehydrated foods. Freeze-dried foods are also less likely to spoil than dehydrated foods, making them a good choice for long-term storage.
However, dehydrated foods are typically cheaper and easier to find than freeze-dried foods. Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Can You Live Off Freeze-Dried Food?
For many people, the thought of eating freeze-dried foods conjures up images of bland, unappetizing meals that are only to be tolerated in an emergency situation. However, Freeze-dried foods have come a long way in recent years and there are now many companies that offer delicious and nutritious freeze-dried options.
What’s more, with a shelf life of up to 25 years, freeze-dried foods can be a convenient and cost-effective way to stock your pantry. So, if you’re thinking about giving freeze-dried foods a try, there’s no need to worry about going hungry. There are plenty of great options out there that will keep you well-fed for years to come. My personal favorites are from Augason Farms.