When storing food for long term purposes people may often question which strategy is best, freeze dry the items or not? There are several factors which point to the advantages of freeze drying one’s food for long term storage. Here are but a few:

1. Freeze dried foods can last up to 8 times longer in storage than other storage methods. Granted, this additional storage time may not ultimately be of great consequence, it is still an important point to consider when planning/prepping food for long term needs. 
2. Freeze dried foods retain their nutritional value better over time versus other methods of long term storage. This point may be the most valuable since nutritious foods are vital when faced with the needs of an unplanned emergency. 
3. Another advantage of freeze dried foods is the lightweight nature of these foods. This means less strength is required to both store, and access, the food. The last thing one needs emergency foods that are heavy and bulky to both store and use when needed. 
4. Freeze dried foods are also simple to use, generally only requiring boiling water to activate the food item. 
5. Freeze drying foods also allows for the storage of a wide variety of food groups. Meat, vegetables, fruits, wheat, and dairy can all be freeze dried. 

Strategies for long term emergency food storage are diverse, but having foods which are freeze dried should certainly be a part of that strategy. Joseph’s Harvest carries freeze dried meals, fruits, and vegetables for long term, short term and camping needs. And for those individuals with specific needs, we also carry gluten free and organic freeze dried foods.