Tips to fully rehydrate store bought meals

[sbennett3705]

Are there any tips to fully rehydrate store bought meals? Seems some ingredients, like beef or chicken, are still crunchy. I've tried more time, more water, and a cozy: but not very satisfied. I feel edible food is my "last frontier". Help!

[paul]

I rarely have that issue, but you may be working with different brands of freeze dried meals. Extra time should be the key, and a cozy lets you give it that extra time without it getting cold. However, I dont use a cozy, though I do sometimes wrap something around the pouch. What I am careful about is a really good stir at the beginning right when the water goes in, before closing it up; and more stirring after a few minutes. Whether that makes the difference, I cannot say.

[TurboHike]

Are there any tips to fully rehydrate store bought meals? Seems some ingredients, like beef or chicken, are still crunchy. I've tried more time, more water, and a cozy: but not very satisfied. I feel edible food is my "last frontier". Help!

I've had good luck with the "cold water entrees" sold by PackItGourmet, especially the three chicken salads and the southwest black bean salad. All are designed to be rehydrated with cold water, but I use hot water instead and the outcome has always been very good. I usually throw out the included condiment packets since the meal tastes fine hot without adding anything. A downside is the cost, somewhat pricey for what you get. On the upside, should your stove fail in the backcountry, the meals can be rehydrated with cold water.

If you go this route I'd suggest a taste test at home before heading on a trip.

[mschnaidt]

I use a cozy that I made. Basically an envelope made out of Relectix and some duct tape. It works great, especially at high altitudes or cold temps. The meals are still quite hot when they come out and are usually fully hydrated if given a good stir as paul mentioned. The weight is minimal and it allows flexibility on serving time. Just in case the fish are biting or the light is perfect etc.

[Schleppy]

Freeze dried peas, freeze dried whole black beans, and instant brown rice are the most difficult things I've tried to hydrate. More so than freeze dried or dehydrated meats. When I have meals with those ingredients, I cold soak for a couple hours, then add boiling water. Seems to do the trick.

[sbennett3705]

I've already use a cozy and stir, so I wonder if it's possible to cold soak a store-bought meal first, drain the water, then add the boiling water? In other words, is it possible to over-hydrate a meal? 

[paul]

Sure, it is possible to over hydrate a meal. Then it is called soup.

[Snowtrout]

Do not know if it is a tip, just standard practice for my wife and I.

We boil the suggested amount of water (plus maybe an extra 1/2-1oz), add the food to the boiling water, simmer another 2-4 min with lid on, turn off heat and let sit 10min for MH or PR, 15 min for GTG. For some reason, most Good-to-Go meals have difficulty fully rehydrating vs. Mountain house and Peak Refuel.

[Gogd]

Start by boiling somewhat more water than called for in the instructions. After adding the suggested amount of boiling water to the food pouch, place the pouch in the pot and remaining water, cover and simmer at a minimal heat setting for 15 - 20 minutes. Stir pouch contents every so often to assure everything gets soaked. The low simmer actually uses very little fuel. This technique ALWAYS works. Divy out small portions at a time so every bite will be nice and hot.

Ed