I don’t understand the value in freeze-dried food for emergencies, unless you had plenty of heat and water available, and limited storage space.
Wouldn’t it make more sense to stock up on quality canned food? If the can is not breached, that stuff can last for decades. Just open the lid and it’s ready to eat.
As a side note, I read that civilians who were caught up in the Kosovo War valued Dinty Moore beef stew above all else.
There’s a FReeper (apologies, I can’t recall their name) who has invested in a freeze dry machine - pretty spendy, IIRC.
Anyhow….they prepare meals as they enjoy them (quality meats, ingredients, etc) and, then, freeze dry the leftovers as individual servings.
Hopefully, most will have access to some water source…a good Berry and a rocket or pocket stove.
“If the can is not breached, that stuff can last for decades. Just open the lid and it’s ready to eat.”
modern canned goods are not hermetically sealed, instead, the top is joined to the can with a high-speed mechanical press/fold fit around the rim ... in my own pantry, i’ve seen where one can that has gone bad spew stuff into the pantry that infects adjacent cans, clear evidence that external bacteria can enter canned goods ... most canned goods have a shelf life of a couple of years ...
****I read that civilians who were caught up in the Kosovo War valued Dinty Moore beef stew above all else.****
Winco in your area may have Dinty Moore beef stew in 20 oz cans for $1.98 right now.
If you don’t have plenty of water available, you are going to die very soon.
“As a side note, I read that civilians who were caught up in the Kosovo War valued Dinty Moore beef stew above all else.”
Wow, didn’t know things got so bad over there.
“I don’t understand the value in freeze-dried food for emergencies, unless you had plenty of heat and water available, and limited storage space. Wouldn’t it make more sense to stock up on quality canned food? If the can is not breached, that stuff can last for decades. Just open the lid and it’s ready to eat.”
On a serious note, I completely agree. I think a lot of people are not thinking things through. If you do plan on leaving your home and bugging out to wherever (either by foot or in a vehicle), then freeze-dried has some merit (definitely for being on foot, depends on specifics for a vehicle). If staying put, then there’s no comparison, as the food quality of canned is FAR BETTER than freeze-dried (except maybe top-end, but then that costs at least 10x what canned costs). And I agree and have tasted canned after 10 years, just like new and likely good for at least another 20 years.
Bottom line - stock up on canned - then, 10 years or so later, dump it (or donate it, if anyone will take it), and simply replace it. Still costs next to nothing (relative to what you get for it).