Looking to preserve food while you’re out in the wild? Here are some tips on how to do it right, so your food stays fresh and delicious.
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Introduction
One of the most important pieces of equipment for any wilderness expedition is a good quality food dehydrator. Dehydrated foods are light weight and easy to store, making them ideal for backpacking trips. Plus, they retain most of their nutrients and can be easily rehydrated with water.
There are two main methods for dehydrating food: solar dehydration and electric dehydration. Solar dehydration is the cheaper and more environmentally-friendly option, but it requires clear weather and a lot of sunlight. Electric dehydrators are more expensive, but they work even on cloudy days. Below, we’ll discuss how to use both methods to preserve food in the wild.
Solar Dehydration
Solar dehydration is a great way to preserve food if you’re planning on spending extended periods of time in the wilderness. The process is simple: all you need is a solar dehydrator and some clear weather.
To solar dehydrate food, first wash and slice your food into thin pieces. Spread the slices out on the racks of your solar dehydrator, making sure they’re not touching each other. Then, set your dehydrator in an area that gets full sun exposure and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or until the food is dry and leathery.
Electric Dehydration
Electric dehydrators are a bit more expensive than solar models, but they’re worth the investment if you plan on doing a lot of backpacking or if you live in an area with unpredictable weather patterns. Electric dehydrators also cook food faster than solar models; most can dehydrate food in just 4-6 hours.
To electric dry foods, simply wash and slice your fruits or vegetables into thin pieces. Spread the slices out on the racks of your electric dehydrator, making sure they’re not touching each other. Then, set your dehydrator to its lowest setting and let it run for 4-6 hours, or until the food is dry and leathery
The Benefits of Preserving Food
One of the main benefits of preserving food is that it can help to save money. Canning and freezing food helps to cut down on waste, and it allows you to buy food in bulk when it is on sale. Preserving food also allows you to enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables all year round.
Another benefit of preserving food is that it can be a nutritious and convenient way to have meals on hand in case of an emergency. If you are ever stranded in the wilderness or away from home during a power outage, having canned or frozen food can be a lifesaver.
Finally, preserving food can also be a fun and rewarding hobby. There is nothing quite like opening a jar of homemade jam or soup that you prepared yourself using ingredients from your own garden. If you are interested in learning how to preserve food, there are many resources available online and in libraries
The Different Methods of Preserving Food
There are many different ways to preserve food. The most common methods are canning, freezing, and drying. Canning is a method of preserving food in which the food is sealed in an airtight container. Freezing is a method of preserving food in which the food is kept at a temperature below freezing. Drying is a method of preserving food in which the food is dried out so that it can be stored for a longer period of time.
Canning
Canning is a method of preserving food in which the food contents are processed and sealed in an airtight container. Canning provides a shelf life typically ranging from one to five years, although under specific circumstances it can be much longer.
A heat process destroys micro-organisms that cause food spoilage, making canned goods shelf stable. Acidic foods such as fruits and pickles can be safely canned using the boiling water canning method, while low-acid foods such as vegetables, meat, and soup must be pressure canned.
Dehydrating
Dehydrating is a process of removing water from food to preserve it. Dehydration methods can be divided into three categories: sun drying, oven drying, and using a dehydrator.
Sun drying is the oldest and most natural method of preserving food. It can be done with any type of food, but meats, fish, and fruits are most commonly dehydrated in the sun. Sun drying takes several days and requires warm temperatures and low humidity.
Oven drying is a quicker method of dehydrating that can be done with any type of food. Oven drying requires less time than sun drying but can result in less flavorful food.
Dehydrators are electric appliances that use heat to remove water from food. Dehydrators are the quickest and most reliable method of dehydrating but can be more expensive than sun or oven drying.
Freezing
One of the most common ways to preserve food is by freezing it. This method works well for many types of food, including meat, poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Freezing stops the growth of most bacteria and mold, which can cause food to spoil. When done correctly, freezing can keep food fresh for months.
There are two different types of freezing: dry and cryogenic. Dry freezing is the most common type and is done using either a commercial freezer or a household freezer. Cryogenic freezing is done using liquid nitrogen and is generally only used by professional food processors.
Smoking
Smoking is a great method for preserving food because it not only eliminates bacteria, but it also adds flavor. There are two types of smoking: cold smoking and hot smoking.
With cold smoking, the food is exposed to smoke at a temperature below room temperature (around 80°F). This method is often used for meats and fish. Meats that have been cold smoked need to be cooked before they can be eaten.
Hot smoking exposes the food to smoke at temperatures above room temperature (around 140–165°F). The food is cooked during the process, so it can be eaten immediately after smoking. This method is often used for meats, poultry, and vegetables.
Smoking can be done in a smoker or in an improvised smoker. Improvised smokers can be made from a variety of materials, including foil, an old tin can, or a cardboard box.
The Best Foods to Preserve
One of the best ways to make sure you have enough food when you’re in the wild is to preserve some of it. This way, you can make sure you have enough to eat even when game is scarce or if you get lost and can’t find your way back to camp right away. There are a few different ways to preserve food, but some methods are better than others. Here are some of the best foods to preserve when you’re in the wild.
Smoked fish and meats are one of the best foods to preserve. This method of preservation works well because the smoke dries out the meat, which prevents bacteria from growing. It also adds flavor to the meat, making it more enjoyable to eat. To smoke meat or fish, you will need a smoker and some wood chips. The wood chips will flavor the meat as it smokes, so be sure to use a type of wood that you like the taste of.
Jerky is another great option for preserving meat in the wild. This method works by removing all of the moisture from the meat, which prevents bacteria from growing. Jerky can be made from any type of meat, but it is typically made from lean cuts of beef, pork, or chicken. To make your own jerky, you will need a dehydrator or an oven with a very low setting. First, cut the meat into thin strips and then marinate it in a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices. Then, cook it on a low setting until all of the moisture has been removed.
Canned fruits and vegetables are another option for preserving food in the wild. This method involves cooking the food and then sealing it in an airtight container. Canned foods will last for a long time if they are stored in a cool, dark place. If you’re planning on going on a long hike or camping trip, consider packing some canned fruits and vegetables with you so that you have something to eat if fresh food is not available.
Finally, dried fruits and vegetables are another option for preserving food in the wild. This method works by removing all of the water from the food so that bacteria cannot grow. Dried fruits and vegetables can be stored for long periods of time without going bad. To dry fruits or vegetables, you can use a dehydrator or an oven set to a very low setting. First, wash and slice the fruit or vegetable that you want to dry. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them at a low temperature until all of the water has been removed
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways to preserve food in the wild. The best method depends on the type of food, the climate, and the resources available. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious food even in the most remote locations.
