The Prepping Thread - A Newer Beginning ;)

[Deleted User]

Most supermarkets will do packs of dried skimmed milk which I run on for cooking and all are perfectly acceptable and easy to reconstitute to fresh milk. Dried veg are probably easiest obtained in reasonable quantities on Ebay or Amazon. Morrisons do very small packs of dried onion and dried mixed veg but they are tiny and would only be enough for one meal. Wholefoods shops online are also likely to have dried veg but will be relatively expensive but will keep very well and be most useful if fresh are thin on the ground.

MingVase

Yes the supermarket packs are too wee MrsL, I wanted more.
Like Oliver Twist lol

thriftwizard

MingVase, it might be worth you considering buying a dehydrator, so you can dry veg (and fruit) in whatever quantity you wish when things are easily available & cheap; it stores really well in airtight glass jars like the Douwe Egberts coffee jars, or Kilners. The thing itself is a bit of an investment, obviously takes up some space & uses a small amount of energy, but it's been well worthwhile for us; we've had it for about 15 years now & it's helped us take care of many a glut, to use at a more reasonable pace.

Some of that we've grown ourselves, but just as much if not more, comes from bargains bought as our 3-day local market closes down for the rest of the week; this week it was a whole tray (30) of perfectly ripe nectarines for £1. We'd never have got through them before they started to go over, but we now have 2 large jars of delicious dried nectarine slices to see us over the winter, alongside the dried pineapple, the apple slices I'll be doing in a week or two, courgette slices, field mushrooms etc. etc.

Jars can usually be picked up from our local Freegle group, though some have come from car boot sales and even auctions, and I'm happier with those than with plastic packaging.

Worth a thought, if it's likely to be an ongoing project. But - it won't do milk!

Living_proof

MingVase wrote: »

Where is the best place please everybody, for dried milk and dried veg?

I think I know your situation Mar having spent 17 years slightly north of you but 15 miles each way to a major supermarket. I now live within walking distance of five or six but I did purchase my own dehydrator for making the most of cheap seasonal veg (and I grow my own, God willing!). You will probably shop only once a week or so and not be privy to the sort of bargains I can get by shopping around at the right time. But you may be able to get local produce and dry it for year-round use. Excellent in soups and casseroles and takes no space at all. I have found dried onion quite difficult to get hold of and Sainsburys sometimes have it. Other veg like carrots, courgettes, brocolli etc. you would probably have to do yourself. However, knowing your rough location (sorry, I mean approximate!) I would caution that dehydrating in a cold climate will create a lot of condensation and I think that is the last thing you would want.

MingVase

Condensation wouldn't be a problem LP, we have coal fired central heating and this house is as dry as the Sahara (and often as hot!)

I've got Sainsbugs delivering every Sunday now and have plenty food in, but as you say, I miss the bargains.

Been thinking about a dehydrator on and off for years but feel it would be one of those gadgets that you use for a fortnight then spend the rest of your life moving from cupboard to cupboard. But on the other hand, I make a lot of soup and throw everything innit so dried goods would be very handy..
I need more coffee, it's too early

fuddle

I have gone round and round about having a dehydrator as well Mar. I come to a similar conclusion as you do in that it would take food storage space and dither over whether I store that or food. I'm still dithering.

[Deleted User]

I'm digging my dehydrator out to use today, HWK has gone to the allotment with the intention of picking the majority of the plum crop from the tree and I'm NOT going to stand making jam in temperatures of 28C. I know the dehydrator running will add to the warmth in the house but I can open up all the kitchen doors and windows and get some airflow through which ought to help dissipate the warmth. Mine is useful but I don't use it as much as I should. What I really miss is the big chest freezer that wouldn't fit here and I'm going to try and find a space in the kitchen area where I can fit a medium sized one, I don't have enough freezer space as it is so it will help there too and then I'll be able to pop in the surpluses and not waste home grown produce quite so much.

DigForVictory

It's not easy being a guest. Th milk had gone off, and so my chaps are on an evening stroll to top up a thinner-than-hoped-for evening meal & to source milk.

If they come back with 5 little McDonalds bottles, I suspect the cat will be well & truly out of the bag.

DigForVictory

Never have I been so glad to see the Tesco brand...

DigForVictory

And now to test prepping in the field. As in the Dig family go camping. I have already been told “No teapot” & am thinking charity shops as soon as tent pitched....
Possibly with extra two pint billycan if Himself seriously means only boiling one pint. Has he learned nothing from last time? (We came home with bonus teapot & large mug, both china...)