How to Rehydrate Freeze Dried Food — Tips and Techniques

How to Rehydrate Freeze Dried Food

Rehydrating freeze dried food is simple — in most cases, you just add water. But the method and water temperature matter for different types of food.

**Basic Rehydration**

Most freeze dried foods rehydrate by adding water and allowing the food to absorb moisture for a few minutes. The amount of water needed is roughly equal to the amount of moisture removed during freeze drying. As a starting point, add water gradually and let the food absorb before adding more.

**Rehydrating Cooked Meals**

Soups, pasta dishes, casseroles, rice meals, and other cooked foods generally rehydrate very well with hot water. Pour hot water over the food, cover, and wait a few minutes. Many people are surprised by how closely rehydrated meals resemble the freshly made original.

**Rehydrating Fruits and Vegetables**

Freeze dried fruits and vegetables can be rehydrated with room temperature or warm water. Fruits used in baking or cooking can often be added directly without pre-rehydrating — the moisture from other ingredients will rehydrate them during cooking.

**Rehydrating Raw Meat**

Raw freeze dried meat must always be rehydrated in cold water in the refrigerator — never on the counter or in warm water. Once rehydrated, treat it exactly like fresh raw meat and follow all standard food safety practices before cooking.

**Can Freeze Dried Food Be Eaten Without Rehydrating?**

Yes. Many freeze dried foods are excellent eaten dry as crunchy snacks. Freeze dried fruit is especially popular this way — it has an intensified flavor and satisfying crunch that makes it perfect straight from the bag.