Steve's International Ration Thread

[steve1989]

Next, I got a German EPA from another really cool dude that I greatly respect -

This is a very high quality ration, folks. It's one that I can say everyone should get a chance to try some day!

Ok, I will first start with photos to get the ball rollin'

First off, I'll bet everyone can see if they look relatively closely at that one Bierwurst, that it leaked through the can.

I did something that I will most likely never do again and will never recommend to anyone reading:

I ate that Bierwurst that leaked. And I did NOT get sick at all!

This is why: That top label in conjunction with the gelatinous fat surrounding the bierwurst created a thin protective seal that essentially kept it preserved. That Bierwurst was maybe 15-20% drier than the other 2 Wursts in this Ration.
My buddy Doug, myself, and my dog, Scooter ate that Bierwurst - all agreed it looked, smelled, and tasted good and lived to tell the tale.

Again, don't be stupid like me - if you ever have leaking food do not eat it... please!


That Bierwurst was delicious by the way, and the one with the green olives in it was a pleasant surprise as well because the olives weren't overpowering in any way.

[steve1989]

You know, I must say - I think the Hartkeks Crackers are some of the best Ration crackers produced!
The taste sortof like a firmer version of Animal Crackers!

I would rate the German Hartkeks at an equal with Biscuits-Brown. Certainly beats U.S. MRE crackers!

[steve1989]

The 3 total "Wursts" are quite the nice accompaniment to those Hartkeks.

The mildly sweet flavor and firm texture of cracker along with the very accessible flavor of the Bierwurst is a combination like Cheese & Crackers. It just makes sense.
The Wursts are like a moist and mild summer sausage. You could easily cut through it with a spoon - its easy to eat and quite a pleasure to have.
Something that I would absolutely love to have again when I'm on a long hike and want something savory, accessible, and satisfying. All while maintaining that efficient on-the-go nature a Military Field Ration really needs.

[steve1989]

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[steve1989]

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[steve1989]

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[housil]

Great review!
I always enjoy to read how other peoples rate rations and our food.

Erfrischungstuch
Water purification

Steve, that "Erfrischungstuch" is a moist towelette. Do NOT wipe next to your eyes!
About the water purification, it says use 2 tablets for 1 liter (= 0,91 quart), let it sit for 20 min before drinking. Use within 24hrs.

[Norton]

Steve that was a great review and thanks for giving some of us North Americans a flavor yardstick to use.
e)

Such as

You know, I must say - I think the Hartkeks Crackers are some of the best Ration crackers produced!
The taste sortof like a firmer version of Animal Crackers!

I would rate the German Hartkeks at an equal with Biscuits-Brown. Certainly beats U.S. MRE crackers!

The Rye bread in the can would be just the sort of thing I would want to spread the Bierwurst on. It looks like a great combination. Mt father would make sandwiches out of liverwurst for deer hunting and we always found it very filling. I like the idea of the disk shaped bread in a real can to protect it from being smashed, if you broke down the meal into separate portions. The Jam looked good I would have to save that for breakfast. Now was the coffee?
Last those foil tops always worry me when we get civilian goods sealed like that. I wonder about small punctures from shipping.
But I guess your meal had enough salt to protect it short term.
Again great review Thanks

[steve1989]

Hey Housil & Norton,

Thankyou so much for the positive response and for checking out my reviews! I actually decided to stay in and do reviews til' late. A sure way for me to spend my late night.

I didn't get a chance to finish the German EPA review yet so I'll see how much I can get done before I have to go out to work.


Oh yeah, and the coffee!! It's delicious, Norton! I think it beats out our Taster's Choice here at home. Bolder flavor but it was also smoother. Like an instant dark roast.. but not very bitter so it was impressive. Also had a good caffeine kick - but then again I did drink it same time as the tea.

Come to think of it, I think it and the tea make more than 6 oz, because I remember sharing both that tea and coffee with my buddy, Doug. We had about 5-6oz each of the tea and coffee from 1 sachet of each. So I think they both make at least 8oz of strong tea/coffee.

That sounds very cool Norton! My parents were very Liberal when I was growing up - it was nice but I never got to go hunting, let alone hunting with my dad.
It was me who turned it around and was the military/weapons/rations enthusiast of the family. Now my mom has her concealed and packs a 40. - go figure!
I've been opening up military rations since I was maybe 8 or 9 years old when I made my parents take me to Army & Navy stores.
First MRE I ever had was 1993 Tuna W/ Noodles. I absolutely loved it - couldn't figure out how to get the FRH working right as a little kid so I ate it cold and thought it was great.

ok ok, back to the German EPA sorry about that -

Here's a couple more photos - unfortunately I just got a call from a good friend and he needs his car battery jumpstarted so I gotta be brief.

[steve1989]

I'd forgotten to share this Fruit Salad type thing with you guys.

Thankyou Housil for the warning on the Wet-Wipes - they must have some sortof soap that is less mild than the US MRE Moist Towelette - Probably best mixed with a little water or just to stick to cleaning your hands or less sensitive parts of the body.

Now if you could help me with this translation - what is this stuff?

I loved it! A soft textured bread pudding/ fruit salad of sorts. It was even better paired with the bread and hartkeks.
It was sweet, mildly creamy, and I seriously wish I could just go to the store and buy these same things. Alas, it's probably not so easy.