I completely agree with you, Norton!
These are an important part of the history of development in Survival Rations.
Through trial & error and along with the soldier's personal experiences (I would certainly be thrilled to read or hear one's own story of survival and using ANY survival ration) they could develop what was the most effective variety of nutrients and calories and maximize their matching water requirements to process those foods.
I feel your earlier observation of the fruitcake bars & cheese bars to be spot on - long shelf life and calorie dense. The fruitcake probably has low water requirements as well. (not sure on that cheese bar but I think it might be pretty low sodium)
Now, Norton - I have opened the SA-6 and I have wonderfully turned out photos - I am posting them either tonight or as soon as possible (My mom got a double knee replacement and I have extra responsibilities until she is outta PT the end of the Summer so I have less time than usual but in 2 months or so I will be back to my normal output)
This one is the freshest by FAR! The chocolate is beautiful and I think it may be 100% edible (tasting here in 5 minutes or so and will relay back in this same message.. no worries I'll have the camera ready).
Fruitcake & Cheese Bars are fresher than the SA-4 BUT I think they have spoiled they smell so "Fruity" from the fruitcake but I also smell some rancidity.
Gum is fine as always.
No water purification tabs..!
I feel it is not as effective as the SA-4 and certainly not as effective as the SA-3 (Well.. call it a bias but any Ration with smokes is just the coolest to me.. here is an old post I made on MREinfo back in 05' about my idea of Cigarettes in modern MRE's:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9 )
Going to test the Chocolate now. Be right back..!
Ok... that didn't go so well.
Oh man what a shame. Chocolate bars went rancid. It looked so good, but tasted so evil. (as cavguy once said.. hehe)
Ok, photos are coming right up - will send out a preview now and will update ASAP!
Thanks as always for looking guys!