Freeze-Dried Foods, How Do I Use Them?

The first time I was introduced to Thrive Freeze-Dried Foods, I was extremely surprised by their delicious flavor and aroma.  So much so, that I became an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance.  When I hold a tasting party and talk to people about Freeze-Dried Foods they are usually pleasantly surprised as well.  Comments that I often hear are:

·     Wow! I was not expecting that to taste so good.

·     It smells just like fresh pineapple.

·     This chicken tastes just like fresh cooked chicken.

·     This food really has possibilities!

However, I also hear comments like:

·     It tastes wonderful, but how would I use it?

To be very honest, freeze-dried foods offer a myriad of possibilities for use.  Here are just a few:

1.   They are delicious eaten right out of the can

2.   They can be reconstituted, seasoned and eaten

3.   They can be substituted into any recipe calling for the fresh cooked ingredient.

The things that make freeze-dried foods so convenient are:

1. They have a shelf live unopened of 25 years
2. They can be used immediately as a convenience food
3. They are already chopped or sliced
4. They are already clean
5. They rehydrate into their natural form rapidly
6. They retain their nutritive value

The 25-year shelf life makes freeze-dried foods wonderful for long-term storage.  Yet on the other hand, you can use them immediately.  Let’s say that you want to make strawberry shortcake and it is the middle of the winter.  Yes, you could probably find fresh strawberries somewhere, but why not use the Thrive freeze-dried sliced strawberries that are already in your pantry.  You won’t have to spend time going out to the store or worry about where to find the strawberries.  Also, you will be able to finish cooking much faster because the strawberries are already cleaned and sliced and they rehydrate in a flash.

If you are still concerned about how you would use freeze-dried foods, my advise to you would be, just try substituting them for ingredients called for in your own favorite recipes.  If you would like, you can use some of the recipes I have posted on my blog.  Once you start, you will be able to see just how versatile freeze-dried foods are.

These are a few of my favorite ways to use freeze-dried foods:

·     In fruit sauces

·     In casseroles

·     In muffins

·     With pasta

·     In granola

·     As snacks

·     With eggs

I am often asked which Thrive freeze-dried foods to try first.  I recommend the following because they are commonly used in everyday cooking:

• Onions
• Celery
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Chicken
• Sausage
• Strawberries
• Cheddar cheese
• Tomato powder

This is just a starting point.  You will soon find that you want to try other products in our line.  Before you know it, you will be creating your own recipes and enjoying the convenience.  You will also feel confident that if you couldn’t go to the market, you would still be able to prepare healthy, nutritious meals for your family.

I would love to hear how you use your freeze-dried foods.  Please leave a comment and let me know.

Just click the link below to purchase Thrive Foods.  You won’t be sorry!

www.susansakurai.shelfreliance.com

Why Freeze-Dried Foods Should Be Part of Your Food Storage Plan

Today there are many options open to people starting or building their food storage plan.  I believe that it is wise not to put all of your food storage dollars into one basket.  That being said, I believe that freeze-dried foods should definitely be a part of everyone’s plan. 

Why I like freeze-dried foods for food storage:

1.    When sealed, they can be stored for up to 25 years at room temperature.  Note: Extreme heat reduces shelf life.

2.    Their reduced water content inhibits the growth of microorganisms, and spoilage.

3.    The freeze-drying process preserves the nutritional content of the food.

4.    They maintain their natural shape, size, color, aroma and taste

5.    They speed up the process of food preparation because they are already sliced or chopped and they rehydrated quickly.

6.    They are delicious right out of the can if circumstances required you to eat them that way.

7.    They fit well into a food rotation plan. 

8.    They are easy to use in everyday cooking.

9.    They provide good nutrition, variety and convenience.

When I was first introduced to Shelf Reliance Thrive foods, I could see the possibilities.  I already had food storage, but I always wondered how we could survive without getting food fatigue (tired of eating wheat, rice and beans).  With Thrive Foods, we can eat just about what we always eat even if I can’t go to the store.

I have found that as I rotate my food storage in my everyday meals, Thrive Foods make cooking fast, easy and fun.  I don’t have to worry about unexpectedly running out of eggs.  My can of Thrive Whole Egg Powder is in my pantry and ready to use.  I waste less because I can use the exact amount of Thrive foods like celery or mushrooms without worrying how I might use the remaining fresh ones.

What is the process used to freeze-dry Shelf Reliance Thrive foods?

1.    Fresh quality foods are chosen at the peak of perfection.

2.    Meats are cooked, some vegetables are blanched and all foods are cut into small pieces.

3.    The foods are flash frozen at -50 Degrees F.

4.    The foods are immediately placed into a vacuum chamber and 98% of the moisture is removed through sublimation (changing liquid into gas).

5.    The food is sealed in moisture and oxygen proof cans.

It makes sense to make Shelf Reliance Thrive freeze-dried foods part of your food storage plan.  If you would like to shop for Shelf Reliance Thrive foods, just visit my Shelf Reliance website at:

susansakurai.shelfreliance.com