Freeze dried food

Freeze-dried food - the right choice from SportanoFreeze-dried food is a form of preserved food that is becoming increasingly popular with bushcraft and survival enthusiasts. The freeze-drying process involves freezing food products and then removing the water from them by sublimation under low pressure. The resulting product is lightweight, long-lasting and retains most of the nutritional value and flavour of the fresh ingredients. In the Sportano shop, you will find freeze-dried food from tried-and-tested brands such as LYOFOOD and Trek'n Eat. Introduction to freeze-dried food: what is it and how does the freeze-drying process work? Freeze-dried food is food that has undergone a freeze-drying process, also known as sublimation drying. It is a preservation technique that involves freezing food and then removing the water from it through sublimation, which is the direct transition from a solid state (ice) to a gas (steam) under low pressure. This process preserves almost all the nutritional value, colour, taste and texture of fresh produce. The key thing about freeze-drying is the use of low temperature, which prevents enzymatic and microbiological decomposition, which is often the case with traditional drying methods. As a result, freeze-dried foods can be stored for years without spoiling, retaining most of their properties.Advantages of using freeze-dried foods in bushcraftFreeze-dried foods have become popular among bushcraft and survival enthusiasts for several reasons: Long shelf life: the freeze-drying process significantly extends the expiry date, which is crucial during long expeditions to areas far from civilisation. Freeze-dried products can be stored for up to several years, retaining their nutritional value. Lightweight and compact: once the water is removed, the products are extremely light and take up little space, which is important when backpacking space is limited. Ease of preparation: most freeze-dried products only require the addition of hot water, making them ideal in conditions where every minute and every gram of equipment matters. Preservation of nutritional value and flavour: unlike traditional drying, freeze-drying preserves most vitamins, minerals and the taste and texture of fresh produce. Variety of choice: freeze-dried food is available in a wide range, from fruit and vegetables to full meals and special dishes such as desserts. This allows you to add variety to your diet in the field and avoid monotony. Food safety: the freeze-drying process eliminates micro-organisms and enzymes that can cause food spoilage, which is particularly important on long-term expeditions where access to fresh produce is limited. Comparison of freeze-drying with traditional food preservation methodsFreeze-drying differs from traditional food preservation methods such as drying, freezing or canning. The main difference is how each method affects the quality, shelf life and nutritional value of the products. Drying is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. It involves evaporating water from the product, which prevents the growth of microorganisms. However, drying often leads to a loss of flavour, a change in texture and a partial loss of nutritional value. Dried products also tend to be heavier and less compact than freeze-dried products. Freezing retains flavour and nutritional value, but requires a continuous source of low temperature, which is not practical in bushcraft conditions. In addition, frozen products are heavy and take up a lot of space. Preservation involves storing food in hermetically sealed containers. Although this method can significantly extend the shelf life of food, it often requires additional preservatives, which can affect the taste and nutritional value of the product. Freeze-drying stands out because it best preserves the taste, texture and nutritional value of fresh produce. It is also a method that makes products extremely light and compact, which is crucial in bushcraft. Freeze-dried foods are also very simple to prepare - just add water. How to choose freeze-dried food for bushcraft expeditions?When choosing freeze-dried food for bushcraft expeditions, there are a few key aspects to consider to ensure adequate nutrition and comfort in the field. Nutritional values: look for freeze-dried foods that provide the right amount of calories and a balanced nutritional composition, including proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Variety of flavours: choose a variety of freeze-dried meals to avoid monotony in your diet. A variety of meals are available, from breakfasts to lunches and desserts. Speed and ease of preparation: prefer products that are simple to prepare, which is especially important when time or conditions do not allow for elaborate cooking. Pack size and weight: choose freeze-dried products that are lightweight and take up little space in your backpack, which is key on long hikes. Long shelf life: check expiry dates to ensure products will last for the duration of the expedition. Reviews from other users: reading reviews and opinions from other bushcrafters can help you choose the best products available on the market.