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[M340]Meals Ready To Eat

by Mariam Ma, Mar

As the name implies, meals ready to eat (MRE) are foods that are already available for consumption. Big deal, you say, as pizza or any other type of takeout is a "meal ready to eat". However, these are packaged food designed to have a long shelf life. They are also designed to require very little preparation work. Therefore, these meals are perfect for emergency survival preparation such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters. These rations will be able to sustain individuals for a period of time until longterm relief aid comes.

The term "meals ready to eat" certainly seems generic enough and only implies that food has already been prepared. However, as already discussed, there's a longevity period associated with MREs. It is meant to have a shelf life of a couple of years. The packages also have good nutritional value. Easy portability is another factor. In fact, campers, backpackers and hikers take MREs on camping trips due to all the above mentioned benefits. Therefore, one could say that if any meal meets the connotation of survival or emergency preparedness food, then it can be considered an MRE. The term has certainly been generalized but for a true definition, we have to refer to the US military.

The term meal, ready to eat was actually coined by the US military to provide their servicemen and women adequate nutrition during combat or field work. Therefore, MREs packaged for the US government uphold strict requirements. Each package is to provide approximately 1200 calories and weigh between 380 - 510 grams. Each package can also survive parachute drops and extreme fluctuations in temperature. That is what is meant by a "military meal ready to eat".

Obviously, for civilian purposes, one does not need these stringent requirements in their pre-packaged food. However, you can get these rations from the same suppliers to the US government but for civilian purposes. The packaging will be different but in essence, it's the same food meant for emergency survival.

Stocking up on canned goods, packaged food and bottled water is never a bad idea. We've seen the devastation that mother nature can unleash and you always want to be prepared for natural disasters. Survival food also comes in handy for spontaneous weekend getaways on camping and hiking trips as well. Just remember to take out the soon to expire food and replenish them with new packages.

Do yourself a favor and get your emergency survival plan in gear now.

Primarily, the acronym MRE stands for Meal, Ready to Eat, which plays an important role in military operations. Military MRE refers to pre-packed food commonly used to feed soldiers who are currently engaged in ongoing missions. Because of the unavailability of food in remote and war-stricken areas, these items come in handy for everyone. Just like regular meals, these military MREs are packed with vitamins and minerals enough to nourish and replenish the tired bodies of military personnel.

To preserve the quality and freshness of these specially designed meals, military MREs are placed inside airtight containers. Simultaneously, these items are compact and lightweight, which makes them easier to bring and can easily fit into the pockets of soldiers. With the help of these special meals, soldiers will never go hungry even during challenging times.

Nutritional Content of Military MREs

Because military MREs are specifically designed for the purpose of nourishment, these products are packed with valuable nutrients that are enough to energize all the tired bodies out there. Generally, these meals contain an average rate of 1,250 calories. Usually, these military meals are comprised of 51 percent carbohydrates, 36 percent fats, and 13 percent proteins. Likewise, they also ensure that military personnel can meet at least one-third minerals and vitamins as prescribed in the Military Recommended Daily Allowance chart. To guarantee this fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has approved and certified the efficiency as well as the safety of military MREs.

One of the major advantages of using military MREs is that people can consume them in different ways. For instance, soldiers can eat them even if they are cold, while these products are definitely tastier especially when dipped in hot water for a few minutes.

Different Types of Meals Packed as Military MREs

Chicken Breast

For soldiers who love chicken dishes, they can always try the Chicken Breast military MRE. This particular dish comes with a cake, a couple of wheat snack bread, jalapeno cheese spread. Furthermore, it also comes with minestrone stew, candies, and jalapeno ketchup. Additionally, it also comes with instant coffee with French vanilla flavor.

Pork Ribs
In the meantime, individuals who prefer pork can enjoy such specialty by ordering the Pork Ribs military MRE. This meal goes with a couple of wheat snack bread, cheddar cheese spread, and clam chowder. In addition, it includes hot sauce, a cookie, and an electrolyte beverage.

Beefsteak with Mushrooms

Aside from pork and beef, people can also order beef delicacy in the form of Beefsteak with Mushrooms military MRE. It comes with red pepper, dairy shake, and steak sauce. Other important components of this dish include a cracker, a jam, and western beans. Furthermore, it also comes with a candy for dessert.

Chili with Macaroni

For snacks, there is nothing much better than the Chili with Macaroni military MRE. Perfect for pasta-lovers, this meal contains red pepper, wheat snack bread, and jalapeno cheese spread. It also goes with a candy and a cookie for dessert, while the beverage is cocoa.

These are just a taste of the different types of MREs available and gives you a good idea about what these Meals Ready to Eat are all about.

Article Source : Healthy Food Choices

About Author

Both Mariam Ma & Kim Hald are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Mariam Ma has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Fishing and Pets. Mariam Ma is a freelance writer for Silverman Village, where you can find such emergency disaster preparation supplies as and. Mariam Ma's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.

Kim Hald has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mobile Phone Reviews, Computers and The Internet and Home Management. Kim Hald is writing military hiostory and military customs as well as military equipment such as armored car articles for both and military info and. Kim Hald's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.