Chefs Tips for Enhancing Hiking Meals

April 05, 2023

Chefs Tips for Enhancing Hiking Meals

Hiking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, but packing all the necessary equipment and supplies can be challenging but fun. One of the essential items to pack is food, and freeze-dried or dehydrated hiking meals are a popular option because they are lightweight, easy to prepare, and have a long shelf life. However, you can be significantly improved this meal experience with simple steps and ideas on your next adventure.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution to enhance the taste and appeal of these meals: adding garnishes.

Garnishes are decorative elements that enhance a dish's flavour, texture, and presentation. They can be fresh or dried herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, or sauces. Here are some ideas for garnishes that can elevate your freeze-dried or dehydrated hiking meals:

Fresh Herbs

By far, the easiest way to pimp your hiking meal is adding fresh herbs to bring a burst of flavour and aroma and make everyone in the trail hut jealous. Pack a small container of herbs such as basil, coriander, parsley, or mint, and sprinkle them over your dish before serving. Alternatively, you can use lightweight dried herbs, which have a longer shelf life. Supermarkets now carry a range of precut fresh herbs packaged in ziplock bags in the fruit and veg section.

Spices

Spices are a great way to add depth and complexity to your meal. Consider packing small amounts of spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, or cinnamon. Sprinkle them over your meal to add flavour and warmth.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds can add crunch and protein to your meal. Consider packing small amounts of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews, or seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Toast them lightly in a pan or oven before adding them to your meal for extra flavour and crunch.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits can add sweetness and texture to your meal. Consider packing small amounts of freeze-dried fruits such as apples, blueberries, or bananas. No need to rehydrate them. Just add them directly to your meal.

Cheese

Cheese can add richness and flavour to your meal. Consider packing small amounts of hard cheeses such as Parmesan or freeze-dried cheddar. Sprinkle them over your meal just before serving. Freeze-dried cheese can also be added to your lunch wrap for texture and flavour.

Sauce Packets

Many freeze-dried or dehydrated hiking meals can be stepped up to another level by adding sauces like hot sauce, soy sauce, or olive oil. Drizzle them over your meal just before serving. A small amount of sesame oil on two minute noodles turns bland into delicious.

What and How to Carry Garnishes

We've used many tubs and containers over the years and find Nalgene is one of the best. Your local gear shop will have brands like GSI, MSR, and GoToob, to name a few. In the end, the small Chinese takeaway sauce containers work well, too but can pop open with a bit of pressure, so pack them in your pot or mug.

In conclusion, adding garnishes to your freeze-dried or dehydrated hiking meals can make a significant difference in taste and appeal. Experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and sauces to find the ones that work best for you. With a little creativity, you can turn a simple hiking meal into a gourmet experience. But if you don't have the time, add a pinch of salt to lift the flavour slightly.

We love hearing about your outdoor food journey, so please send us stories or tag us #camperspantry on socials when on your next outdoor adventure.