Freeze-dried food is a convenient and long-lasting option for emergency preparedness, camping trips, and even everyday meals. But how do you eat freeze dried food? Rehydrating freeze-dried food properly is key to enjoying its original flavor and texture. This guide explores six simple rehydration methods, helping you choose the best approach for different types of food.
The Magic of Freeze Drying
Freeze-drying, a preservation technique that removes moisture from food, creates shelf-stable products that retain much of their original nutritional value and flavor. This makes it a valuable tool for homesteaders and anyone seeking convenient, long-lasting food options.
Understanding Freeze Drying Principles
Before diving into the rehydration methods, it’s crucial to understand these basic freeze-drying principles:
- Raw Foods: If the food was freeze-dried raw, use cold water for rehydration.
- Cooked Foods: If the food was freeze-dried after being fully cooked or blanched, use warm or hot water for rehydration.
6 Ways to Rehydrate Freeze Dried Food
1. Steaming Method (Least Recommended)
The steaming method involves placing freeze-dried food in a steamer basket, either in a multi-cooker or on the stovetop, until fully rehydrated. This method is typically suggested for cooked foods.
Why it’s not ideal: This method often leads to burned or rubbery food, making it less than ideal for most items.
2. Wrapping with a Damp Paper Towel
This method requires wrapping freeze-dried food in a damp paper towel, placing it in a zip-top bag, and refrigerating for about 20 minutes.
Best for: This method is best suited for thin slices of bread and tortillas. For example, rehydrate tortillas overnight for tomorrow’s dinner.
Homesteading Hack: Check your food regularly to see if you need to add more moisture to the paper towel or remove the paper towel if your food is completely rehydrated.
3. Water Spraying Method
The water spraying method is perfect for delicate foods that don’t require much water and need to maintain their shape, like herbs or berries.
How to:
- Fill a food-grade spray bottle with hot or cold water (depending on whether the food is cooked or raw).
- Spray food with water and wait a few minutes.
- Check the consistency and repeat as needed, up to 20 minutes.
4. Cooking Method
This method is straightforward: add freeze-dried foods to hot water and cook for a few minutes. It works best for fully cooked or blanched foods.
Examples: Freeze-dried broth, chicken, and vegetables to create a quick chicken vegetable soup. Perfect for hot lunches on the go!
5. Soaking Method
The soaking method is excellent for raw or fresh garden foods like green beans, corn, strawberries, and tomatoes.
How to:
- Place freeze-dried food in a bowl.
- Cover with cold or hot water (depending on whether the food was raw or cooked).
- Allow to soak until fully rehydrated.
- Refrigerate for longer soaking periods (2-48 hours).
- Drain off excess water before use.
6. Hot Water Pour Over Method (Highly Recommended)
This method is ideal for cooked freeze-dried items that need to retain their shape and texture, such as lasagna or cake.
How to:
- Use slightly steaming water and drizzle slowly, about 1/3 the volume of the food.
- Pause and allow the food to soak up the water.
- Add more water to drier areas, such as the edges and center.
- Be patient; this process can take up to 20 minutes.
Homesteading Hack: Cover the food with foil to trap steam and distribute moisture evenly.
Conclusion
Mastering these rehydration methods allows you to fully enjoy the convenience and benefits of freeze-dried food. Knowing how do you eat freeze dried food correctly can transform your pantry and meal preparation, whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting to explore the world of food preservation. Choose the method that best suits the type of food you’re preparing for optimal taste and texture!
