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Sample Gourmet Reserves via AlpineAire PouchesMany of the items offered by Gourmet Reserves can be purchased in 2 serving pouches before investing in #10 cans.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY TO BE??
HEALTHY - Gourmet Reserves and AlpineAire foods are all natural, NO artificial preservatives, flavourings, colourings, MSG or white sugar are added.
NUTRITIOUS - Gourmet Reserves and AlpineAire foods are designed for athletes and adventurers working in the harshest conditions.
CONVENIENT - Gourmet Reserves and AlpineAire foods are easy to prepare with a minimum amount of water, fuel and time needed to make a delicious meal.
PROVEN Established, trusted industry leader with a distinguished reputation since 1979.
About AlpineAire Foods® and Gourmet Reserves®
Since 1979 AlpineAire Foods has been a pioneer in the outdoor food market. They have a reputation for excellence surpassed only by their distinction for outstanding taste. They produce all natural freeze-dried, dehydrated and ready-to-eat instant meals, side dishes, breakfasts, soups and desserts. Their products can be used every day but are perfect for backpacking, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and emergency preparedness. They offer selected items for those who are gluten-intolerant.
AlpineAire Foods® was created in response to the demand for quality, nutritious, and all natural foods for recreational use. Their goal is to offer quality products to adventurers, hikers, campers, adventure racers and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. They have selected only the best quality freeze-dried, dehydrated, instant ingredients and spices available.
AlpineAire Foods has been the choice for every major expedition including the 35th Anniversary Assault of Mt. Everest, Kevin Fosters bike trek across the Great Wall of China, as well as being selected as the official food sponsor for The Eco-Challenge held in both SE Utah and Vancouver Canada. Brad Van Liew has used AlpineAire Foods exclusively in his solo around the world sailing race, winning each leg as well as the overall race in 2002/2003 & 2010/2011.
You will not find better short or long term food storage than AlpineAire Foods® or Gourmet Reserves®
....Naturally Good Food Anytime/Anywhere!
The Gourmet Reserves® product line was developed in 1989 to address the needs for emergency preparedness. Gourmet Reserves is suited to meet the needs of individuals or organizations, which desire to be self-sufficient during a situation where normal food supplies are not readily available. They use their familiar, great tasting AlpineAire Foods recipes as well as everyday staples that are practical and easily incorporated into the daily diet. They have selected the very best quality foods, (freeze-dried, dehydrated, instant) completely free of artificial additives. All individual items are packaged in #10 cans (approximately one gallon) constructed of heavy-gauge steel with a food grade enamel coating on the inside. A state of the art oxygen absorber is placed in each can to insure the very best shelf life. Resealable plastic lids are included on all individual cans.
FREEZE-DRYING
Freeze-dried products make up the majority of ingredients used for Gourmet Reserves. For instant or quick re-hydration of certain dried foods and for products, which retain their shape and texture, freeze-drying is the preferred method. 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 heat, thus avoiding shrinkage. Freeze-drying uses a very low heat temperature. Many of Gourmet Reserves products are custom freeze-dried to suit our 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:
DEHYDRATION
Some vegetables are more suited to this form of drying than others. This means that with the addition of water, the product re-hydrates 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 re-hydrate as well as freeze-dried.
Tips, and what to look for when choosing food for storage.
PURITY OF INGREDIENTS
Gourmet Reserves and AlpineAire foods are all natural, NO artificial preservatives, flavourings, colourings, MSG or white sugar are added.
FAMILIARITY
Familiarity can be your best friend during an emergency situation. Quite often the psychological trauma caused by change during an emergency can aggravate the situation further. Your food storage system should be familiar, everyday foods easily recognizable that reflect a balanced diet offering good taste. Gourmet Reserve foods offer the best selection from which to choose. It is important to consume these food items on a regular basis to become familiar with the foods and how to prepare them. Gourmet Reserves entrees make a quick and easy weekend lunch and is a great way to practice proper food rotation.
PREPARATION CONVENIENCE
Gourmet Reserves offers many convenient food items, which can be prepared with a limited amount of fuel and water. This is very important as both fuel and water can be in short supply during an emergency.
SHELF LIFE
Shelf life of any food reserves is always critical. Gourmet Reserves uses the latest technologies available to insure long shelf life. Excessive heat will shorten the shelf life of all products. A rule of thumb, the cooler the better. Ten years is a conservative shelf life for their products. Some items can be safely stored for up to 20 years.
VARIETY
Gourmet Reserves and AlpineAire have a large selection of no-cooking required entrees that will prevent appetite fatigue.
PROPER ROTATION
It is important to rotate food reserves into your daily diet. Gourmet Reserves easily integrates with other foods to meet daily dietary needs.
WHAT MAKES GOURMET RESERVES® FOODS DISTINCTIVE?
PROPER FOOD STORAGE TIPS
It is crucial that you store food reserves properly:
SHELF LIFE OF GOURMET RESERVES® PRODUCTS IN PROPER STORAGE CONDITIONS
Estimated shelf life in years
Vegetables .. 10+
Fruits. .. . 10+
Meats .. ..10+
Eggs . ..... 8-10
Complete Entrees/Soups/Breakfasts/Desserts most recipes .. ..10+
Recipes containing Shrimp, Brown Rice, Sour Cream, Tuna and Nuts .. ..8-10
Cheese Powders . .... 8-10
Sweeteners .. ...10+
Granola .10+
Pasta . ...10+
Milk, Nonfat ..8-10
Beans, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) . 10+
Royal Kreem Crackers.. 10+
Sauces and Seasonings ... 10+
Sprouting Seeds . 8-10
Additional Details Regarding Shelf Life for Gourmet Reserves
Gourmet Reserves choose to take a conservative approach to shelf life. They want their products to perform optimally when you need them. Their general conservative shelf life statement for Gourmet Reserves is 10+ years. If stored properly, they know that when you open your Gourmet Reserves in 10 years they will perform for you and will be as fresh as the day they left their facility. All the original flavor profiles, textures and nutritional content will be intact.
The most susceptible ingredients to aging are dairy products, including non-fat milk powder, sour cream powder, cheese powders and egg products. Because many of these ingredients are commonly found in their instant just add water entrees; it is with your best interest that they declare the conservative shelf life of 10+ years.
Items such as freeze dried meats, fruits, vegetables & grains are quite stable for many years. These freeze dried single ingredient items will last for 20+ years if stored properly in a cool and dry environment.
When you open a Gourmet Reserves can, the unused portion may remain in the can. Use the plastic lid provided to seal the top of the opened can. Most products are perfectly safe to store in your pantry after opening for up to 90 days.
Upon receipt of your Gourmet Reserves, it is recommended using a permanent marker to note the date each can enters your pantry or storage area. Be sure to rotate and use your Gourmet Reserves near the end of the recommended shelf life, then restock as needed to ensure the freshest food reserves at all times
We hope you appreciate the quality of their foods their commitment to providing the best long term food storage that will bring you peace of mind for many years to come and will perform when you need them most.
Shelf Life of AlpineAire Foods and Natural High Organic Fruit Snacks in Pouches
Estimated shelf life for these items stored in a cool dry location is 5+ years.
