Making BOB food

[servingbrother]

The link below is a website for hikers, but they have a nice recipe section for simple meals to make for hiking. I have no affiliation just sharing for those who want to prepare their own Bug Out Bag food. Some meals are prepared then dehydrated and packed. This allows for instant, just add water meals.

http://www.trailcooking.com/taxonomy/term/17%2B42

I have personally cooked white rice then dehydrated it. Just add hot water and let it sit for a few minutes and it's ready to eat. Don't know how long term storage is affected. I have a couple of 2 lb vacuum sealed bags (no oxygen absorbers) set aside for testing. Will open one in a year and another in 2 years. That should be a good enough test for instant rice.

[1Admin]

That ought to be interested to see the results of. What did you use to dehydrate the cooked rice?

Great post, thank you!

[servingbrother]

I have an Excaliber 9 tray dehydrator. I'm going to also dehydrate some cooked brown rice and test it also. I read where you can do the same with oatmeal.

[Kat]

How did you get the rice on there without a mess? Is there a special tray or maybe wax paper or something? I've never thought about dehydrating rice. What a cool idea! I wonder if it's similar to the minute rice you can buy at the store? Probably faster.

[monkeybird]

I'm intrigued. I never thought of cooking then dehydrating rice. I am going to try it today and will report back. Thanks for the tip.

[monkeybird]

OK, servingbrother - I've cooked the rice and it is in the dehydrator. Seems to be dehydrating fast! How long do you dehydrate and what is the ratio of water to dehydrated rice to rehydrate?

[kappydell]

The same as 'minute rice' which is basically what you have. Other instant foods to dry include cooked beans, chili (makes wonderful cup-o-soup) or any thick soup. Storage life is not so long, about 1 year, but for hunting or for BOBs where you rotate it regularly, it is mighty fine.

[protus]

I do this when i dont wanna spend the $$ on freeze dried. Ive done chili twice now. And have buddys that back pack that have done everything from pasta to meats.
All i do is add hot h20 to the food( which is in a freezer bag) and stuff it into a wine bottle coolie or wrap it in a jacket and let sit for 20-30 mins.
will be interesting to see what the results are over the long term..

[wipeout]

I've been toying with making my own dehydrated meals as well. I've purchased a bunch of stand up two quart mylar bags that have a zip top to pack them in. I'm still messing with the menu, but that trail cooking link will help add variety. Thanks!