Freeze-dried and instant: Your best friend on the mountain

When you're out on a mountain hike, you want food that's easy to carry, quick to cook, and still nutritious. Freeze-dried food and instant meals are ideal options that meet all these needs. In this blog post, we explore why freeze-dried and instant are your best friends on the mountain, and how you can make these meals even tastier and more filling.

1. What is freeze-dried food and why is it perfect for mountain hiking?

Freeze-dried food is food that has undergone a process where the moisture is removed by freezing and sublimation. The result is light and durable dishes that preserve taste and nutrition. All you have to do is add hot water, and in a few minutes you have a hot meal ready to eat.

• Advantages:
  • Lightweight and compact - takes up minimal space in the backpack.
  • Long shelf life - can be stored for several years.
  • Easy to prepare - just requires hot water.

Tip: Freeze-dried dishes come in many flavors and varieties, from classic pasta dishes to more adventurous dishes such as venison stew or vegetarian curry. There is something for every taste.

2. Instant dishes: fast food for quick breaks

Instant dishes such as noodles, couscous or powdered mash are popular among hikers thanks to their speed and simplicity. These dishes often only require boiling water and a few minutes of waiting before they are ready to serve.

• Advantages:
  • Prepares quickly - perfect for lunch breaks where you don't want to stay too long.
  • Versatile - can be combined with different spices, dried vegetables or protein to create a complete meal.
  • Cheap and easy to find in grocery stores.

Tip: Enhance instant meals by adding dried vegetables, herbs or spices for extra flavor and nutrition. Powdered cheese, dried meat or fish are also good supplements to increase the protein content.

3. How to make your freeze-dried meals even tastier

While freeze-dried foods are convenient, sometimes it can take a little extra love to really make them enjoyable. Here are some simple ways to improve the taste and satiety of your freeze-dried meals:

• Add olive oil or butter: A small bottle of olive oil or a packet of butter does wonders for flavor and provides extra energy.
• Season to taste: Pack small bags with your favorite spices such as salt, pepper, chili or herbs. It gives your meals a personal touch.
• Top with nuts or seeds: For extra crunch and nutrition, sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top of your meal.

4. Combine freeze-dried with fresh or dried ingredients

To make your meals more interesting, you can combine freeze-dried food with fresh or dried ingredients that you pack with you:

• Dried vegetables: Add dried carrots, peas or mushrooms for more color and texture.
• Fresh herbs: If you have room, bring some fresh basil, parsley or dill to freshen up the dishes.
• Dried meat or fish: Protein such as dried reindeer meat or smoked salmon is easy to carry and gives the meal extra depth and flavor.

Conclusion:

Freeze-dried food and instant dishes are invaluable when you're out on the mountain. They are easy, quick to prepare and give you the energy you need to cope with long hiking days. With a little planning and a few simple additions, you can make these meals the highlight of your day. Try some of the tips above on your next hike and discover how easy and delicious it can be to eat on the mountain!