Craft Your Own Emergency Meals with DIY MREs

// Nate Bateman // english, Survival Info

Reading Time: 5 minutes

CRAFT YOUR OWN EMERGENCY MEALS WITH DIY MRES

In times of emergency or disaster, having access to food is crucial for survival. However, relying on store-bought meals ready to eat (MREs) can be expensive and may not always be available. That’s where DIY survival comes in. Creating homemade MREs is a cost-effective and practical solution for emergency situations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of making your own MREs, the essential components to include, and some delicious recipes to try.

Whether you’re a prepper, off-grid enthusiast, or simply looking to be prepared for any situation, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and skills to create your own survival food. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create homemade MREs for emergency situations.MRE’sMRE’sMRE’sMRE’s

In times of emergency, having access to food is crucial.

Whether you are preparing for a natural disaster, a power outage, or simply want to be self-sufficient, creating homemade MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) can be a lifesaver. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of creating your own MREs, the essential components of a well-rounded meal, and how to properly store your homemade MREs.

Why Create Your Own MREs?

MREs are a popular choice for emergency food because they are designed to be shelf-stable, portable, and easy to prepare. However, store-bought MREs can be expensive and may not always meet your dietary needs or preferences. By creating your own MREs, you have complete control over the ingredients, portion sizes, and nutritional content.

Another benefit of creating your own MREs is that you can tailor them to your specific needs. For example, if you have a food allergy or intolerance, you can avoid those ingredients. If you are following a specific diet, such as keto or vegan, you can create MREs that fit within those guidelines.

Essential Components of a Well-Rounded Meal

When creating your own MREs, it is important to include all of the essential components of a well-rounded meal. These components include:

  1. Protein: important for building and repairing tissues in the body. Good sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, beans, and tofu.
  2. Carbohydrates: provide energy for the body. Good sources of carbohydrates include grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  3. Healthy fats: important for brain function and hormone production. Good sources of healthy fats include nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil.
  4. Fiber: important for digestive health and can help keep you feeling full. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
  5. Vitamins and minerals: essential for overall health and wellbeing. Good sources of vitamins and minerals include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

When creating your own MREs, aim to include a variety of these components in each meal. For example, a well-rounded MRE could include a protein source such as canned chicken, a carbohydrate source such as rice or quinoa, a healthy fat source such as nuts or seeds, and a fiber source such as dried fruit or vegetables.

How to Properly Store Your Homemade MREs

Proper storage is essential for ensuring that your homemade MREs remain safe and edible. Here are some tips for storing your MREs:

  1. Choose the right packaging: When creating your MREs, choose packaging that is durable, airtight, and moisture-resistant. Good options include vacuum-sealed bags, Mylar bags, and plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
  2. Label and date your MREs: Make sure to label each MRE with the contents and date of preparation. This will help you keep track of what you have and when it was made.
  3. Store in a cool, dry place: Store your MREs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or basement is a good option.
  4. Rotate your stock: To ensure that your MREs remain fresh, rotate your stock regularly. Use the oldest MREs first and replace them with new ones.
  5. Check for signs of spoilage: Before consuming your MREs, check for signs of spoilage such as mold, off smells, or discoloration. If in doubt, throw it out.

Homemade MRE Recipes

Now that you know the benefits of creating your own MREs and the essential components of a well-rounded meal, here are some homemade MRE recipes to get you started:

1. Chicken and Rice MRE

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of chicken
  • 1 cup of rice
  • 1/4 cup of dried vegetables
  • 1/4 cup of nuts or seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the can of chicken and add it to the rice.
  3. Add the dried vegetables and nuts or seeds.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Divide the mixture into individual portions and package in airtight containers.

2. Beef and Bean Chili MRE

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of beef
  • 1 can of kidney beans
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of dried vegetables
  • 1/4 cup of shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Drain the can of beef and add it to a pot.
  2. Drain and rinse the can of kidney beans and add it to the pot.
  3. Add the can of diced tomatoes and dried vegetables.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  6. Divide the mixture into individual portions and top with shredded cheese.
  7. Package in airtight containers.

3. Peanut Butter and Jelly MRE

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons of jelly
  • 1/4 cup of dried fruit

Instructions:

  1. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other.
  2. Place the two slices of bread together to form a sandwich.
  3. Cut the sandwich into individual portions.
  4. Add dried fruit to each portion.
  5. Package in airtight containers.

Conclusion

Creating your own MREs is a great way to prepare for emergencies and ensure that you have access to food when you need it most. By including all of the essential components of a well-rounded meal and properly storing your MREs, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for any situation. Try out these homemade MRE recipes and customize them to fit your specific needs and preferences.



    Fascinating facts about “DIY Survival: Creating Homemade MREs for Emergency Situations” you never knew

    1. The concept of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) was first developed by the US military in the 1970s as a way to provide soldiers with nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals in combat situations.
    2. MREs typically have a shelf life of up to five years, making them an ideal choice for emergency preparedness kits.
    3. While store-bought MREs can be expensive, it is possible to create your own homemade versions using basic ingredients like canned meats, dried fruits and vegetables, and grains.
    4. When creating homemade MREs for emergency situations, it’s important to consider factors like calorie count, nutritional value, and ease of preparation.
    5. Other popular options for survival food include dehydrated or freeze-dried meals that can be reconstituted with water when needed.
    6. Offgrid living often involves growing your own food or raising livestock as a means of self-sufficiency during times when traditional supply chains may not be available.
    7. In addition to food storage and preparation techniques, disaster preparedness also involves having access to clean water sources and medical supplies in case of emergencies.
    8. Many preppers recommend keeping at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food on hand at all times as part of their overall disaster readiness plan