How Is Dehydrated Food Made?

 Dehydrated food can be made commercially or at home. While the process of dehydrating food is pretty simple, properly storing dehydrated food for use in an emergency can be tricky at best. All dehydrated food is made through a process of drying without cooking. Generally, food is placed in a large kiln and subjected to very low heat for long periods of time to slowly remove the moisture. Food dehydrators for household use generally circulate warm air through a series of shelves to achieve the same results. Once the food is dehydrated an oxygen-absorbing packet of iron powder is placed inside the packaging. This packet reacts with any leftover oxygen in the package using it up as the iron rusts to keep the oxygen from contributing to spoilage. Some commercially dehydrated food packages are flushed with an inert gas to remove all of the oxygen from the package (think chip bags).

Dehydrated Food Storage

  Dehydrated food storage is neither complicated nor space consuming. Most dehydrated foods are sealed in serving-size packaging and then packed into compact, stackable bins for long-term bulk food storage. Light, moisture, and heat are the things to avoid when storing dehydrated foods. Ideal dehydrated food storage is dark, cool, and dry. An upper shelf in a basement or cellar works well, under a bed, or in a closet on a lower floor.

  Commercially dehydrated foods, like those sold here on our site, are produced to reduce moisture levels in the food to as low as 3-5% with a residual oxygen level of under 2%. The lower the moisture and oxygen levels, the longer the food will last without spoiling. A quick bendability test can give you a rough idea of how much moisture is in the food. If you bend the food and it snaps with a crispy noise it’s pretty dry. If it bends and flexes easily without breaking or cracking, it has a higher moisture level and won’t last quite as long.

   Properly dehydrated foods have a shelf life of roughly 10 years. Once opened a package of dehydrated food can last anywhere from a moth to a year before spoiling (depending on what it is). Proper storage is key in preserving dehydrated foods. Always be sure to reseal packaging as best you can to ensure the longest life. Keeping your food storage area clean and organized goes a long way in ensuring your food last as long as possible.

Long Shelf Life

 The dehydrated food shelf life ranges from 5-10 years when properly stored. This long shelf life makes dehydrated food an excellent emergency food source for use in the case of a major disaster. Even partially used portions can be safely kept for up to 3 years (with careful re-storage). For maximum lifespan keep dehydrated foods sealed in their original containers in a cool, dark, dry environment. Properly reseal any partially used packages to ensure no moisture or excess oxygen enters the packaging.

Easy Preparation

 Dehydrated foods are easy to prepare at home or in the field as long as you have a water source and a way to heat it. This can be a challenge in a disaster situation but can be avoided through proper planning (see water supplies). Most dehydrated foods are simply mixed with hot water to rehydrate and cook the food for consumption. In general the cooking time is between 10 and 15 minutes for each serving.  Many dehydrated food options can be prepared right in the pouch they are packaged in. A re-sealable zip top allows you to open the pouch, pour in the hot water and re-seal for 12-15 minutes to allow the food to cook. Most dehydrated foods are unseasoned and offered as single food item per package so you may want to prepare seasonings or toppings to accompany your dehydrated foods.

Easy To Store

 One of the most appealing features of dehydrated emergency foods is the easy with which they area stored. Bulk dehydrated foods are generally packaged in individual servings, which then may be offered in bulk buckets that are easy to store and access. An entire year’s worth of dehydrated food can be stored in a 2’ x 3’ x 5’ area! The compact packaging sizes also appeal to people who want to have a few easy, one-step meal options in the pantry for those extra busy nights. Or frequent hikers and campers who prefer to have some trail-friendly food on hand.

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