An ounce may not sound like a lot, but when talking in dehydrated and freeze-dried food, an ounce can go much further than you might expect. So, if you’ve opened the package and didn’t use it all how should you best store the remaining ingredients for your next trip?
 

Unopened Packages

When left unopened, the freeze-dried and dehydrated grocery items available in the Packit Gourmet grocery store will remain in their original condition for about 24 months.

Freeze-Dried Food

The freeze-dried grocery items that we stock (fruit, vegetables and meats) are packaged in mylar food storage bags which prevent light and air from coming into contact with the food – two of the factors that contribute to the breakdown of freeze-dried food. These bags are not resealable because a simple zip-lock type seal is not enough to prevent exposure to oxygen which will cause your food to deteriorate much more quickly.

Dehydrated Food

Dehydrated grocery items (fruit and vegetables) are much more tolerant than their freeze-dried counterparts so they are packaged in resealable pouches. Dehydrated foods will benefit from many of the same techniques recommended for freeze-dried foods but will be less susceptible to  higher temperatures and exposure to light and oxygen.

Storing Open Packages

Once your freeze-dried or dehydrated food packages have been opened, there are several steps that you can take to extend the shelf-life of each:
 

Freeze-Dried Food

The process of freeze drying removes water from the fruit, vegetable or meat – creating a sponge-like appearance and behavior in some products. As such, freeze-dried products are sensitive to moisture, heat, air and light. Once opened, the shelf life of the product depends entirely on how it is stored. Keeping it protected from moisture, heat, air and light is key to getting the maximum shelf-life out of your opened freeze-dried items.

• Moisture
  • Moisture is the biggest factor impacting the stability of freeze-dried food storage, as the sponge-like texture of the food makes it super sensitive to moisture in the air – exposure to excessive moisture can cause your food to deteriorate and spoil. If you live in a humid location, be extra careful to seal your food after opening and store in a dry location.
  • In order to maximize the life of your freeze-dried items, be sure to store them in an air-tight container in a cool dry place. Include a silica gel or clay desiccant when you repackage in order to absorb both moisture and oxygen.
• Temperature
  • The optimal temperature for freeze-dried food storage is between 32°F and 75°F. Typically, room temperature is fine, but if you have space, opened items may be stored in an air-tight container in a cool pantry or refrigerator in order to keep them at their best.
• Air
  • Exposure to oxygen will cause freeze-dried food to deteriorate much more quickly. Fats, vitamins, flavors and the color of your food can all be impacted by exposure to the oxygen in the air. Keep your food sealed until you are ready to use it and be sure to reseal the bag or place in an airtight container after opening.
  • To reduce the amount of oxygen that your food is exposed to, repackage bulk items using a food-vacuum-sealer (such as a Seal-a-Meal) or place in an airtight storage container. We recommend including a fresh oxygen absorber in order to eliminate any oxygen trapped in the storage container.
• Light
  • Freeze-dried food lasts longer when kept away from direct exposure to sunlight. Fats, proteins and vitamins can all be affected by overexposure to light. Off-flavors, discoloration and the loss of some vitamins can occur.
  • For best results, store all open containers in a dark location with limited access to direct light. A pantry, kitchen cabinet or fridge all work great!

More Info

Dehydrated Food

Dehydrated or dried food is made by slowly removing the water from the food through the use of heat. This is a practice that has been performed for hundreds of years as a means to storing food for a long period of time.  Although, dehydrated foods can be stored without taking the precautions necessary for storage of freeze-dried foods, they will retain better color and flavor when storage precautions are taken.

• Moisture
  • Ensuring that dehydrated food is kept free of moisture is paramount. Should moisture be introduced to dehydrated foods, the state of preservation will be compromised and deterioration, including mold, may occur. Preventing exposure to moisture will preserve the state of the food and extend its shelf-life.
• Temperature
  • Dehydrated food can be safely stored at room temperature – but exposure to excessive heat will compromise the integrity of the food.
• Air
  • Dehydrated foods are not particularly susceptible to the oxygen in the air, however, they will benefit from reduced exposure. To extend shelf-life, keep dehydrated foods sealed in a jar, bag or other container. Removing all air and including a desiccant is not necessary, but doing so will help to extend the life of the food.
• Light
  • Storing dehydrated food in an area free of direct sunlight will help extend the life of the food. While not overly-sensitive to light, dehydrated food retain its color and a more appetizing appearance when stored in a cool, dim location.