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This was about 20 years ago, back when MREs were in the old dark brown wrapping. The pork patties were freeze dried, and could be rehydrated easily enough. They tasted better than many a restaurant provides.

The freeze dried hamburger patties were good too.

Too bad they were discontinued.

Pork Patties? That wasn't 20 years ago. That was only 8 months ago for me!

MRE Review - 1982 Pork Patty
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My final verdict? 23 year old pork patties don't stand the test of time.

Nice review!

Back when the patties were a bit newer, they were a favorite.


They floated on top of the water, just as yours did - but a fork worked well to submerge them. One time I rehydrated them in cold water, then nuked them in a microwave - but there seemed to be some physical breakdown when I did so. I guess a pork cell can only endure so much science.

The ketchup powder you mentioned - I didn't rehydrate that. Instead, I used it like a condiment and sprinkled it on the food. Used that way, I thought it was delicious!

The dehydrated pork and beef patties each came with a small, clear plastic bag that was intended to be used to rehydrate them.

You simply poured a little canteen water into that baggie holding the patty, wait a few minutes (I think it took at least 5; it's been over 20 years), then drink the liquid off like a broth. Salt that bad boy, smear with the sublime and much-missed MRE catsup, and chow down on it like a candy bar.

You guys with your fancy plates and microwaves and real utensils are not getting the real MRE experience.

This brings back the memories. When I was in the Air Force from 1980 to 1986, MREs were just coming into common use in the USAF. During deployments on what we called Bare Base, they would issue the MREs and as long as there was hot water they were OK. However, I remember many a long flight in the back of a C-130 or C-141 when the Load Master would toss us a couple cases of MREs (bagged nasties) for our in flight meal. If you got one of the freeze dried entrees you were screwed since they was no way to dehydrate them, and we were forbidden from eating the baked beans, the bags actually had “not for in flight use” printed on them, guess they did not want us farting in the plane. But, back in the day my favorite items were the Walnut Maple and Cherry Nut cakes along with the freeze dried straw berries.

I used to like the dehydrated sausage and beef patties right out of the package. I'd just break off a piece like it was jerky. I was known for gladly trading for them. I knew a few guys that did not like them and were more than happy to trade them off. It worked out for both of us.

Lifesaver