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Exciting Camping Adventures with Freeze-Dried Meals

Table of Contents

We’re gearing up for a thrilling summer adventure! Our family is heading out for a week-long camping trip, and we’re ditching the camper to experience nature more intimately. The challenge? Preparing and packing meals for eight people with minimal storage space. Join us as we embark on this journey of planning, freeze-drying, and reconstituting meals in the great outdoors. This blog series will be your go-to guide for transforming your camping cuisine!

Series Overview

Over the next three months, we’ll walk you through every step of this exciting culinary adventure. From meal planning to preparation, packaging, and finally, enjoying the fruits of our labor on our camping trip. Keep an eye out for individual videos with detailed instructions and downloadable planners so you can recreate these meals for your own adventures.

Meal Planning and Preparation

To fit all of our meals into just two large coolers, we’re going to rely heavily on freeze-dried items. The idea is to keep only the essentials like sour cream fresh while everything else comes from freeze-dried storage. Throughout this series, I’ll show you exactly how to plan meals for a week in the wilderness.

What You’ll Need

We’re using five-mil, one-quart resealable Mylar bags from Pack Fresh, along with 300cc oxygen absorbers, to keep our meals fresh and ready for use. These bags are incredibly portable, making them perfect for anyone’s backpack—whether you’re 7 or 46 years old!

Freeze-Drying Fun

Freeze-drying isn’t just for survivalists. It’s a fun and practical way to prepare for camping trips. I’ll take you through the process of how we freeze-dry and package our meals. For those tricky dishes, I’ll create videos showing special steps, like setting up the trays just right.

Reconstituting at Camp

Once we’re out in nature, the real fun begins. We’ll show you how we reconstitute our meals using campfires and basic tools. Expect tips on everything from filtering water to boiling it efficiently.

Special Dish Highlight: Turkey Taco Soup

I have to tell you about my amazing turkey taco soup! It’s delicious, filling, and won’t weigh you down—it’s even zero points on Weight Watchers! Watch for a special video with this recipe, which can easily be adjusted to suit keto diets by removing beans.

Join the Adventure

We’re deep in the planning phase now, with just two months to go. I’m thrilled for you to come along for the ride. Your questions and comments help shape this series, so keep them coming! It’s going to be an incredible journey, and I want to make sure you’re part of it.

Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting your freeze-drying journey, this series will have something for you. Stay safe, have fun, and get ready to transform your camping meals!

Planning Your Freeze-Drying Menu: FAQs

What Types of Foods Are Best for Freeze Drying?

Fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and cooked grains work great. Dairy can be tricky but is doable with some practice. Always start with smaller batches to test.

How Do I Plan Portions for My Trip?

Consider your daily caloric needs and activity level. For active trips, aim for about 2,500 to 3,000 calories per day. Pre-portion meals into resealable bags for easy access.

Can I Freeze Dry Full Meals?

Yes, you can freeze dry complete meals. Cook the meal, spread it evenly on trays, and dry according to your machine’s instructions. It keeps flavors and nutritional value intact.

How Long Will Freeze-Dried Foods Last?

Properly stored, freeze-dried foods can last up to 25 years. Store in airtight containers or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to maintain quality.

Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid Freeze Drying?

Avoid high-fat foods like fatty cuts of meat and mayonnaise, as the fat can go rancid quickly. Foods with high sugar content might not dry well either.

How Do I Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Meals on the Go?

Add hot water directly into the bag or container of the freeze-dried meal. Stir, seal, and let it sit for about 10-20 minutes. Adjust water amount based on your preference.

What’s the Best Way to Pack Freeze-Dried Foods for Backpacking?

Use lightweight resealable bags for individual meals. Label each bag with the meal name and any extra prep instructions. Pack meals in easy-to-reach sections of your pack.

Can I Take Freeze-Dried Foods on a Plane?

Yes, you can pack freeze-dried foods in your carry-on or checked luggage. Just be prepared for bag inspections, as the texture might trigger additional screening.