Where should I store my food?

This depends upon where you live. Products are made of both freeze-dried and dehydrated components and are affected by temperature, moisture, oxygen and light. Optimal storage conditions for our foods are in cool, dry places.

How much water will I need?

On average, each individual serving requires 1 cup of water.

Do I have to use boiling water?

Hot water speeds up the process of reconstitution. Foods will be ready to eat more quickly when hot water is used. However, many of the foods can be re-hydrated and ready to eat with any temperature of water.

How are foods packaged?

100% of our foods are packaged in airtight Mylar pouches. These pouches are then arranged in durable polyethylene buckets for easy storage.

What allergens are contained in products?

Milk, soy, and wheat (gluten) are the common allergens found in products. For specific ingredients by product type please consult the nutritional labels.

Does the manufacturing facility produce other food products that contain allergens presently?

The manufacturing facility does manufacture a limited line of products that contain tree nuts.

What steps are taken to ensure that these allergens do not end up in products?

The manufacturing process has a very aggressive allergen control program. The manufacturer requires each of the raw materials suppliers to provide a Certificate of Analysis with accompanying test results verifying that the raw materials provided are free from any trace of shellfish, fish, peanuts and tree nuts. Additionally, through an internal allergen identification, storage segregation, and sanitation practices, the manufacturer takes every effort to ensure products are allergen free.

How long do the meals last in storage?

Studies have proven that freeze-dried and dehydrated foods will last up to 25 years or even longer. For optimal storage life it is suggested that food be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a basement, with room temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees.

Why use both freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients?

A combination of technologies is used to achieve the best taste and quality.

Certain ingredients set-up and taste better when freeze-dried (vegetables, fruits, meats) while others do better through dehydration. In these cases, dehydrated ingredients offer all the benefits and better value than foods that have been freeze-dried.

Freeze-Dried and Dehydration Advantages:

A unique and innovative approach is used in food production for camping and long-term emergency preparedness. Ready-made entrées, meats, vegetables and fruits may be freeze-dried or dehydrated. However, both processes promote an extremely long shelf life. 

• Food maintains its original flavor, shape, color, and texture
• Food better retains its nutritional value
• Food is condensed, taking up less space
• With all of its water extracted, food is extremely lightweight
• When water is added, the food completely reconstitutes itself

Why should I purchase from Joseph's Harvest?

We are dedicated to providing dependable, simple and affordable ready-made freeze dried and dehydrated foods. We are committed to customer satisfaction. We are confident that you will find our product to be of the highest quality, best priced and the most available. Most customers receive their product in 10-14 business days from the time it is ordered. In times of high demand, delivery times can range from 14-28 days.

Where can I find nutritional information on your entrée's and breakfasts?

For product nutritional information, scroll down to the bottom of the product page. There you will be able to see an image of each individual pouch along with its corresponding nutritional information. 

What alternative uses are there for your product?

Products are created to be easy to use whenever you need them. In addition to storing products for an emergency situation a number of customers have found our product to be versatile enough to be consumed on a day-to-day basis. Entrees are also often used on camping, hunting and backpacking trips. Others pull them from the pantry at home or take them to work when they don't have time to prepare a meal or go out for lunch.

How are my products shipped?

All packages are shipped through FedEx or LTL carriers.

Will I be notified about my product delivery?

Yes. You will receive an automated email regarding your order and delivery times.