Five ways to use freeze-dried pineapple

Using your storage food is a good idea. Get creative to find new ways to include it in your diet.
by Leon Pantenburg
I don't begrudge my investment in freeze dried, dehydrated and other storage foods. I look upon it as an insurance policy that will hopefully never be used.

This oatmeal recipe includes dried pineapple dices, and a variety of dried fruits and nuts. It's a great way to start the day. (Pantenburg photo)

But it's a good idea to use the foods so during an emergency you don't have to get used to strange foods. As a backpacker and wilderness wanderer, these freeze dried foods are very useful, and can contribute to .
Recently, I've gotten  hooked on freeze dried pineapple dices. Here are some ways I've been using them:
Snacks: Freeze dried pineapple is  good plain, right out of the container. The nice thing about having an opened  Number 10 can of pineapple in the pantry, is that you can grab a handful as a quick snack. Pineapple is tasty, low-calorie and satisfys that craving for something sweet. And try the freeze dried sweet corn too. It tastes kinda like popcorn!
In hot cereal: Those of us with heart disease remember bacon and eggs for breakfast with fondness, and a touch of sadness that that food is now and forever off-limits. My breakfast now is oatmeal, renowned for its cholesterol-fighting properties. Walnuts are a standard in that dish, and then I include a variety of dried fruits, nuts and seeds for variety. I've found dried pineapple dices add sweetness, without including processed sugar. Just add a little extra water in the mix, and allow the pineapple to rehydrate.
In trail mix: I go through a lot of trail mix when hiking or backpacking, and this is another dish where pineapple can add a new flavor. Trail mix recipes depend on your preferences, so find a taste you like and see how much of it can be made with your storage foods.
In Dutch oven cobbler: If dried pineapple is used, you can make a very tasty freeze dried cobbler. All you have to do is add water to the pineapple to rehydrate it, put it in the bottom of a dutch oven, pour dry cake mix over it, and add some butter.  (Check out the Troop 18 cobbler recipe!) You'll wow your hunting, backpacker or canoe buddies with this one.
In a bug out bag: I've eaten my share of MREs, and have even been hungry enough a few times that they tasted good! And I do include MREs in some car and long term emergency kits. But don't underestimate food variety as a survival tool. I frequently carry some pineapple dices in a plastic ziploc bag along. Rehydrate the  pineapple, and add it to plain rice or cereal, and it will provide something different taste-wise. Or, you can use it as a snack or trailfood.