In all my years of collecting...

KML1989 · Post by **KML1989** » Fri Aug 15, 2025 1:02 pm

I never thought I'd see one of these intact and edible!

1982 Menu 3 - Dehydrated Pork Patties, with the elusive Dehydrated Catsup.

And it was GOOD! Red, dry, and exceptionally tangy. The Catsup was almost like a tangy tomato soup, and pretty sweet overall. It paired great with the pork.

Not pictured, but eaten, was the Applesauce. Barely browned after 43 years, and not sweet at all.

Also tried was 43 year old cheese spread. It was....good...A little chunky, but a nice and sharp cheddar flavor

Lastly, a nice army mocha to end lunch. I am so unbelievably stunned by how well this meal held up over the years.

KML1989 · Post by **KML1989** » Fri Aug 15, 2025 1:03 pm

The pictures didn't upload. Here they are!

texrdnec · Post by **texrdnec** » Sun Aug 17, 2025 3:59 pm

that's pretty cool

Tedster · Post by **Tedster** » Sun Aug 17, 2025 8:14 pm

Technically speaking, the beef and pork patties were freeze-dried, this is a much better food preservation technique than dehydration . Flash frozen in a vacuum and exposed to radiant heat, the color, texture and structure is maintained.

At the time these were issued, they were reviled by many. The quality was actually pretty good, as far as that goes, and freeze-dried foods have an almost indefinite shelf life. A lot longer than the retort pouch. The quality of the beverages - cocoa, coffee, and kool-aid was actually a lot better than what they are issuing now. I would argue too, the crackers today are little better than cardboard. Sad.

The Ketchup never did much for me. Trans-Packers out of Brooklyn had good stuff though. I saved every one of their Cayenne pepper pack, and had years worth. Excellent stuff, one of my favorite spices.