FREEZE-DRYING

Freeze-dried products make up the majority of ingredients used for Gourmet Reserves. For instant or quick rehydration of certain dried foods and for products which retain their shape and texture, freeze-drying is the preferred method. the first step in freeze-drying is to rapidly freeze the food. The water content, now frozen, is turned directly into a gas and withdrawn from the food during the next steps, vacuum and heat, thus avoiding the shrinkage. Freeze-drying uses a very low heat temperature. Many of Gourmet Reserves products are custom freeze-dried to suit our strict quality requirements. Freeze-dried products include : grains, beans, fruits, meats, seafood, pastas, vegetables, and eggs. Using this process, 98% of the moisture is removed. Freeze dried foods retain more nutritional value than dehydrated or canned foods, and also have a much longer shelf life.

Key advantages of freeze-dried products

• Retains the original taste and nutritional value of the food due to very low heat temperature that is used
• Foods are quick and easy to prepare
• No waste
• Ideal method for maintaining flavors of meat, poultry and fish
• Extends the shelf life of the product
• No preservatives are necessary
• Results in a super-lightweight / compact product
• A wide variety of foods are available
• Use hot or cold water to rehydrate
  (GF) = Gluten Free

DEHYDRATION

The standard method of dehydrating vegetables and spices is to place the items on a conveyor belt and run them through an oven at a high temperature for a relatively short time. Between 90% and 95% of the moisture is removed.

Some vegetables are more suited to this form of drying than others. This means that with the addition of water, the product rehydrates back to is original state more easily. Preferable items include: Onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Dehydrated items such as peas, corn, and green beans do not rehydrate as well as freeze-dried.

SHELF LIFE OF GOURMET RESERVES ® PRODUCTS IN
PROPER STORAGE CONDITIONS

Estimated shelf life in years

AlpineAire Pouch Products

Cooking Required Items

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