Food dehydration is a food preservation method that involves removal of moisture from the food. This is essential in making the food less susceptible to bacterial growth, insect contamination and spoilage. This method of food preservation dates back to 12,000 B.C. where it was practiced by the denizens of Asia and The Middle East. Contemporary methods of food preservation include use of an electric food dehydrator, canning and freezing. This has made dehydrated food recipes a necessity.
Backpackers and hikers primarily rely on dried food. With all that tiring exercise out in the open they are bound to build up healthy appetites. So how are they guaranteed of a palatable, luscious, appetizing meal whilst keeping pack weights minimal? The answer is quite simple dehydration and dried food recipes.
In order to come up with the right recipe for dehydrated foods one should consider the following: what type of food to dehydrate, quantity, weight of the food and the period the food takes to cook. Weight is a very important factor to consider. However, it is very sensible to pack high energy dehydrated foods, canned foods and drinks in relatively heavy bottles.
Various dried foods are eaten at a specific time of the day. For breakfast one may prefer to have cereals such as muesli which is prepared by adding powdered milk to cereals. Water is later on added. For porridge one may soak the following in moderate hot water to create a thick appetizing porridge: semolina, dried oats or cracked wheat. Dried pancakes and breakfast bars are also a better alternative.
For lunch one may have a sandwich or can pack the following to cook and eat whilst in the bush: dried meat, cheese, biltong, bread, sardines and toppings. Dried meat is prepared by pickling it in salt-water for a few days to guarantee its conservation then it is later on sun-dried. The dried meat can also be used in making a tantalizing soup. Sardines are normally found in sachets and cans. Biltong is normally prepared by marinating it in vinegar, flavoring it and finally hanging it in a dryer. Toppings such as peanut butter, margarine, tahini, vegemite, chutney, and jam can be added to make the meal tastier. Sun dried fruits that are generally for shorter excursions can also be packed. For more points relating to dried foods, please visit this website.
The variety of dehydrated food one cooks for dinner during your bushwalk is endless. For starters, there are many rice and noodle based packet meals available in the supermarkets which can make a yummy dinner. Extras such as dried vegetables, sardines and cheese can be added. Alternatively, you can dehydrate your own meals such as dried fish, dried chicken, beans, lentils, peas and tuna.
Lastly one can prepare hot beverages using powdered milk, powdered malt, tea, sugar, coffee and hot chocolate. However, one should only pack the needed amount instead of the full container.
With such recipes in hand one is bound to enjoy a tasty treat while in the middle of the wilderness!
Posted By Connie A. Mills
Backpackers and hikers primarily rely on dried food. With all that tiring exercise out in the open they are bound to build up healthy appetites. So how are they guaranteed of a palatable, luscious, appetizing meal whilst keeping pack weights minimal? The answer is quite simple dehydration and dried food recipes.
In order to come up with the right recipe for dehydrated foods one should consider the following: what type of food to dehydrate, quantity, weight of the food and the period the food takes to cook. Weight is a very important factor to consider. However, it is very sensible to pack high energy dehydrated foods, canned foods and drinks in relatively heavy bottles.
Various dried foods are eaten at a specific time of the day. For breakfast one may prefer to have cereals such as muesli which is prepared by adding powdered milk to cereals. Water is later on added. For porridge one may soak the following in moderate hot water to create a thick appetizing porridge: semolina, dried oats or cracked wheat. Dried pancakes and breakfast bars are also a better alternative.
For lunch one may have a sandwich or can pack the following to cook and eat whilst in the bush: dried meat, cheese, biltong, bread, sardines and toppings. Dried meat is prepared by pickling it in salt-water for a few days to guarantee its conservation then it is later on sun-dried. The dried meat can also be used in making a tantalizing soup. Sardines are normally found in sachets and cans. Biltong is normally prepared by marinating it in vinegar, flavoring it and finally hanging it in a dryer. Toppings such as peanut butter, margarine, tahini, vegemite, chutney, and jam can be added to make the meal tastier. Sun dried fruits that are generally for shorter excursions can also be packed. For more points relating to dried foods, please visit this website.
The variety of dehydrated food one cooks for dinner during your bushwalk is endless. For starters, there are many rice and noodle based packet meals available in the supermarkets which can make a yummy dinner. Extras such as dried vegetables, sardines and cheese can be added. Alternatively, you can dehydrate your own meals such as dried fish, dried chicken, beans, lentils, peas and tuna.
Lastly one can prepare hot beverages using powdered milk, powdered malt, tea, sugar, coffee and hot chocolate. However, one should only pack the needed amount instead of the full container.
With such recipes in hand one is bound to enjoy a tasty treat while in the middle of the wilderness!
Posted By Connie A. Mills