Dehydrated Foods are top-quality foods, that have been picked at their ripeness, cleansed and trimmed to leave only the best parts. These choice foods are then dehydrated with 98% of their moisture removed. This is done by a highly sophisticated drying process. They are then packed in heavy-duty enameled cans, and sealed with a special inert atmosphere to insure the longest possible storage life.

Yet drying does not affect the nutritional value of these foods. Dehydrated foods retain their nutritional value because the vitamins have not been cooked out in the original process, as the canned fruits and vegetables we buy at the grocery store have been boiled and lost a lot of their nutritional value.

The water, pits, and peelings have been removed and you pay only for the product, not excessive or unnecessary waste material. Because their bulk and weight have been greatly reduced, dehydrated foods are more compact and convenient for storing and require very little space. They offer quick mobility in the event of an evacuation alert. For example, one case of regular canned food weighs approximately 24 pounds. The same item of dehydrated foods would weigh from 36 to 45 ounces, and would be packed in just one #10 can. Dehydrated foods have approximately double the yield of regular canned foods even though their cost is much lower.

WHAT IS A #10 1 GALLON CAN?

A #10 can is the size of the can that you purchase canned fruits and vegetables at a bulk food store like Costco or Sams Club.  Each pre-assembled pack comes with lids to help keep your food fresh once it is opened.

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF FREEZE DRIED AND DEHYDRATED FOODS?

Most of our foods have a shelf life of 30 years, with the exception of our dairy products.  Dairy products have a shelf life of 5-7 years. 

HOW IS SHIPPING CALCULATED?

Shipping is based on your location and the weight of the product(s) you purchase, which is why you have to fill in your information before we can tell you how much shipping would cost.  If you are placing an order for individual products, shipping runs about $24.50 per case or 5 gallon bucket. A case is 6 #10 1 Gallon Cans.  If you are looking at a 1 year supply,  the shipping is based on your state.  We do not charge anything over the actual shipping to our customers.  We have done a lot of research to find independent freight liners that ship much cheaper than UPS or FedEx.  These independent shippers require a 400 lb load to get the reduced shipping prices, so UPS delivers smaller loads for us.  We are always looking to decrease shipping costs for our customers, so we will find you the best rate. 

WHY DO DEHYDRATED FOODS HAVE SUCH A LONG SHELF LIFE?

For maximum storage life, we first fill the can with a particular dehydrated food. We then place a packet of "Oxygen Absorber" on top of the food and seal the can. The cans are of the heaviest base weight metal available in the canning industry with an extra heavy electrolytic coating of tin plate or protection of the steel. To prevent rust and corrosion due to atmospheric conditions, food grade enamel is deposited on the tin plate.

To prepare the food, just add water. These foods are highly concentrated and will reconstitute themselves by soaking in water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Then cook according to the provided instruction and serve. This simple procedure will restore the foods to their original shape, texture, color and rich wholesome flavor.

THE ADVANTAGES OF USING DEHYDRATED FOODS

The advantages of these foods over regular wet-packed foods are: Only top quality products are used in the process for dehydrated foods. Dehydrated foods are very much like fresh food when reconstituted as the fruits and vegetables are picked at their ripeness then dried. They store in 1/5 the space of wet packed foods. They won't spoil as there is no known limit to their shelf-life. The cans are coated and enameled inside and out to prevent corrosion and chemical reaction. The food is sealed in the can with a special inert atmosphere to insure maximum shelf life. All portions are measured, so there is no waste. They are easy and quick to prepare; they have been cleaned, peeled, trimmed and are ready to use. They are economical when applied properly.  

AFTER OPENING THE CAN

Dehydrated foods will last from 9 months to 3 years after the seal on the can has been broken. There is no need to refrigerate, simply store in a relatively cool place. Because the oxygen absorber is heavier than air, it does not evaporate upon opening and stays with the food to help keep it fresh. Remember to reseal the opened cans with a plastic lid after using. This will help to maximize the storage/shelf life. When removing smaller portions from the can, dip the food out rather than pouring it. This method minimizes oxygen absorption loss and introduction of air and moisture, permitting the food to retain its freshness for the longest possible time.

WHERE DO I STORE MY FOOD?

Dehydrated foods should be stored in a cool, dry area. Use your imagination: under beds, in closets or in the basement, if dry. Never place the cases directly on a concrete floor or against a concrete wall, as concrete will sweat and the moisture may cause the cans to rust. Put them on racks or boards so that the air can circulate freely around the food.

WHY SHOULDN'T YOU USE MYLAR BAGS TO STORE YOUR FOODS?

When mylar disintegrates it turns back into formaldehyde. According to the platics industry, mylar is made with Polyethylene Terephthalate a form of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is used to embomb bodies after death and is poison to a living being.

HOW MUCH IS SHIPPING?

With gas prices rising, we have seen shipping prices rise, doubling and in some places tripling in cost.  We have contacted some independent freight liners to ship our packages out to you and have been able to find reasonable alternatives to UPS and FED EX.  These independent freight liners may take a few extra days, but have been saving our customers several hundred dollars per order.   Shipping ranges from $200 on the West Coast for our smaller paks  to $900 to the East Coast for our largest pak.  Again, with the gas prices continuing to rise, shipping rates will, no doubt, continue to go up. So get your food today.

ONCE I PLACE MY ORDER HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE IT?

We are currently out about 6-8 weeks on delivery on food.  Grain mills are out about 4 weeks and water filters and purifiers are out about 6-7 weeks. Please contact the office for accurate and up to date time schedules for delivery.

HOW IS MY FOOD SHIPPED?

Smaller orders are shipped UPS.  However, if your order is over 200 pounds we can save you some money by shipping independent freight liner.  All one year supplies are shipped by independent freight liner.