Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: Colin2B on 30/09/2015 22:27:11

Title: Has anyone had success dehydrating their own food?
Post by: Colin2B on 30/09/2015 22:27:11

I have used commercial dehydrated meals for backpacking and long sailing trips, but never been completely satisfied with the taste.
Given modern technology for freeze drying etc it seems unlikely that home drying could be an improvement.
Has anyone tried, been successful, and have any tips?
I'm happy to try drying components separately, rather than as a complete meal, but it would be more convenient to prepare complete meals.

Title: Re: Has anyone had success dehydrating their own food?
Post by: guest39538 on 30/09/2015 23:33:06

Quote from: Colin2B on 30/09/2015 22:27:11

I have used commercial dehydrated meals for backpacking and long sailing trips, but never been completely satisfied with the taste.
Given modern technology for freeze drying etc it seems unlikely that home drying could be an improvement.
Has anyone tried, been successful, and have any tips?
I'm happy to try drying components separately, rather than as a complete meal, but it would be more convenient to prepare complete meals.

You mean like Jerky?

Make a box and attach a high powered dehumidifier and suck the water out of the food?

Title: Re: Has anyone had success dehydrating their own food?
Post by: MrDooley on 30/09/2015 23:34:11

While it is possible to buy home food dehydrators , things like SpagBo don't come out well. They aren't bad for fruit.

You may be able to turn up a copy of Camping and Woodcraft by Kephart which describes the preparation of Pemmican, jerky and other such food.

The swag men covered  hundreds of miles through the bush while living on Damper bread and billy tea. Google that.

Title: Re: Has anyone had success dehydrating their own food?
Post by: Colin2B on 30/09/2015 23:46:09

Quote from: MrDooley on 30/09/2015 23:34:11

While it is possible to buy home food dehydrators , things like SpagBo don't come out well. They aren't bad for fruit.

You may be able to turn up a copy of Camping and Woodcraft by Kephart which describes the preparation of Pemmican, jerky and other such food.

The swag men covered  hundreds of miles through the bush while living on Damper bread and billy tea. Google that.

Yes, we've made fruit leathers which are very useful, but I was thinking more of spag bol, casseroles, stews, boiled rice, etc. you say spag bol doesn't work too well, is it the keeping quality or taste?
Damper bread I have made and is excellent calorie to weight ratio.
Have you eaten Pemmican in a temperate climate??

Title: Re: Has anyone had success dehydrating their own food?
Post by: MrDooley on 01/10/2015 00:28:20

As for SpagBo, Casseroles, etc. - you can't make anything better than the commercial stuff you can buy.

The good thing about walking in France is all the Grand Randonnees are never far from a grocery store or even a 3 star restaurant. If you must have casseroles, etc. I suggest that you stay in France. it is tres bon.

If you want to do a long slog like the woman who did the Pacific Crest trail, or the Pindos Traverse, or the Milford Track then I suggest you learn to do without that Mary Berry/Hairy Bikers stuff. They say the Grand Randonnee that covers Robert Louis Stevens' Travels with a donkey is nice.

Title: Re: Has anyone had success dehydrating their own food?
Post by: wolfekeeper on 06/10/2015 14:04:21

This woman did it:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-never-eat-crappy-freeze-dried-camping-meals/

Title: Re: Has anyone had success dehydrating their own food?
Post by: Colin2B on 06/10/2015 23:29:02

Quote from: wolfekeeper on 06/10/2015 14:04:21

This woman did it:

Thanks, this is the sort of advice I was looking for. I've since found another site giving similar ideas eg dabbing off fat that might go rancid, drying components separately, etc.
I'll give these a try.