The only downside of these types of rations is that you need to have the implements necessary to boil water, as well as the time. These aren't the best for eating on the move, but if you're settled into camp or taking a nice meal break along your journey, the lightweight and compact nature is great, so long as you have access to water for reconstituting.
Here is everything after preparing and plating. . .
- Contents Prepared
- Tray Closer-Up
The Siberian borscht was good. I think it was meant to have more water added to it, as the photos I've seen of borscht look more soup-like. I kept it more mashed-potato consistency, which kept it from running into other things on the tray. It was seasoned well, had just the right amount of salt without being too salty, and was a decent portion size.
The mashed potatoes with fried onions was my favorite. In full disclosure, I've had this one before in a IRP-BS and really enjoyed it, so it wasn't my first time having this. Very large portion size compared to the other dishes also.
The chocolate bar was good. No bloom on it at all (not that it affects flavor, just an observation), and a good mix of sweet/bitter. No melting at all.
The fried peanuts were very lightly salted and fresh. I think they struck a good balance of salt on these, as it has just enough to provide some added flavor without being thirst-provoking.
The raisins where the same raisins you would find anywhere in any package labeled "raisins". Not much more one can say about those.
The sunflower seeds were not salted, but could've used a little. Not bad, I guess I'm just not used to eating sunflower seeds in this form.
The crackers tasted very much like the ones in the military-issue IRPs. Bland and unsalted.
The apple jam/butter was very, very good. I really love the apple butter in the Russian rations. It really helped out the boring crackers.
The Adapton beverage was lightly sweet and had a slight citrus flavor. Pretty light and refreshing. Contained added vitamins as well.
The black tea was the standard tea from the other IRPs. Good tea.
The coffee was surprisingly smooth and flavorful for a dehydrated/freeze-dried coffee. I enjoyed it.
The plum nut bar was pretty good as well. Not too sweet, with a very natural taste to it.
The Mentos candies that I referred to in part 1 are in fact gum, not candy. I stand corrected.
It was an enjoyable ration. I'm glad I've got a few more on the shelf to enjoy. Thanks for reading!
