Shelf Life and Freeze Dried Food
At Freeze Dried USA, we use freeze drying equipment to make our products so unique. Freeze-drying is a popular method of preserving food for longer shelf life that involves removing water from the food by freezing it and then using a vacuum to remove the ice in a process called sublimation. The result is a lightweight, shelf-stable product that can last for years if stored properly.
One of the main advantages of freeze-dried food is its long shelf life. Unlike canned or fresh foods, which can spoil after just a few months, freeze-dried food can last for years without spoiling or losing its nutritional value. The exact shelf life of freeze-dried food depends on a variety of factors, including the type of food, the packaging, and the storage conditions.
Most freeze-dried foods have a shelf life of 20-30 years if stored in optimal conditions. However, it’s important to note that this is only an estimate and not a guarantee. The actual shelf life of a particular product may vary based on factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to light and air.
To maximize the shelf life of freeze-dried foods, it’s important to store them properly. The ideal storage conditions for freeze-dried food are cool, dry, and dark. Temperature and humidity are the two most important factors to consider when storing freeze-dried food. Ideally, the food should be stored in a place with a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and a humidity level of 10 percent or less. Exposure to light and air can also affect the shelf life of freeze-dried food, so it’s important to store it in airtight containers and in a dark place.
It’s also important to note that once you open a package of freeze-dried food, its shelf life will decrease significantly. Once the food is exposed to air and moisture, it will begin to degrade more quickly. To extend the shelf life of opened freeze-dried food, it’s important to transfer it to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry, and dark place.
In summary, freeze-dried food is a great option for those looking for a long-lasting, shelf-stable food source. With proper storage, most freeze-dried foods can last for 20-30 years or even longer. However, it’s important to store them in optimal conditions and to transfer them to airtight containers once opened to maximize their shelf life.
