Mmmmmm¿. Succulent white meat chicken, rice, and firm beans drenched in a zesty BBQ sauce.Pinto beans*, instant white rice, tomato powder, cooked freeze-dried diced chicken, Energysmart® [fruit juice, natural grain dextrins], sugar, sea salt, ultra sperse, molasses powder, onion granules, balsamic vinegar [maltodextrin, vinegar solids], pineapple powder, onions*, hickory smoke [torula yeast, natural smoke flavor], miso powder [whole soybeans, salt, maltodextrin], garlic granules, black pepper, spices.
*dehydrated
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the food last?
Most products have a 3-5 year shelf life under proper conditions. Products containing shrimp, tuna, brown rice, nuts, and dairy products have a shelf life of one to two years.
What are proper storage conditions?
The best is a cool, dry environment for our products. The cooler the better. High heat that occurs in a garage or the trunk of a car is not good for these products.
How does AlpineAire Foods extend the shelf life of food?
By using freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients, most of the water is removed from the item. Each product contains an oxygen absorber, which is iron oxide pellets. Iron oxide attacks the head-space oxygen remaining in the pouch once the pouch has been sealed. Oxygen has moisture so the absorber collects the oxygen and thus slows down the oxidation process that can occur. Oxidation leads to rancidity.
Is the oxygen absorber harmful?
No, it is not harmful, but do not use it as a spice packet. It tastes awful.
What is freeze drying?
Freeze drying is a process used for instant or quick rehydration of certain dried foods. 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 The water content, now frozen, is turned directly into a gas and withdrawn from the food during the next steps, vacuum and low-heat, thus avoiding the shrinkage. Many of AlpineAire’s products are custom freeze dried to suit 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.
Key advantages of freeze-dried products include:
What is 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. About 90 to 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 its 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.
What are proper storage techniques?
It is crucial that you store food properly:
Find More Beans Freeze Dried Food Products
The makers of AlpineAire Foods created Gourmet Reserves in 1991. The same food used to support the hardiest adventurers who demand wholesome, nutritious foods to fortify their most challenging efforts, is now available for long-term storage. MSG, artificial colorings or flavorings are never added to our products. Please note: small amounts of MSG may occur naturally in autolyzed yeast. Many Gourmet Reserves entrees simply require adding hot or cold water and stirring. Entrees come with pre-measured spice packets to ensure the very best in taste and storage. Oxygen absorbers are used with every can to seal in freshness and extend shelf life. Gourmet Reserves uses heavy gauge metal cans to guard against rust and moisture. Always compare daily caloric counts verses the competition.Gourmet Reserves offers the most for the money. Storage Tips: Avoid storage places that experience temperature build up such as attics, garages or car trunks. Ideally, room temperature is best – the cooler the better. Never store your reserves on the ground or concrete floors – moisture can build up inside the containers. Store in a location(s) that is easily accessed for periodic inspections. Rotate your food supplies regularly.