Hints On Using Pouch Meals
All the meals we sell include clear instructions, but when you've eaten as many as we have you accumulate a few handy hints which make life easier! Here goes:
- Before tearing off the top of the pouch, be sure to open up the bottom gusseted part by pulling the two sides gently apart: this is what will allow your pouch to stand up.
- Next tear across the the top, starting at one of the nicks in the side of the pouch. You might find it easiest to tear partway from one side, then start tearing at the other side, to meet in the middle. Scissors or a knife are definitely not needed.
- Now open the press-seal part of the pouch and open the pouch up. Grasp the two sides at the bottom of the pouch then push and pull a couple of times: you will find this is the easiest way to get it fully opened.
- Make sure the water is boiling before adding it to the pouch. Please do not try holding the pouch in one hand and pouring water with the other, you'll get scalded! Instead, sit the pouch on the ground, where it will stand up happily.
- Some brands print a fill-line indication on the outside or the inside of the pouch, for others you need to measure the amount of water you add (in this situation it helps to have a marked line on one of your water containers which shows the required amount of water, so you can boil exactly the right amount).
- When adding water to the pouch, generally it's best to add a bit, mix it in, then add a bit more: there's nothing worse than coming across a bit of still-dry food when you're eating! For the main courses, adding the water in two goes should be fine, and you can add it all in one if you want. For the breakfasts, we recommend you add the water in two or three goes, stirring well after each lot of water. For the desserts, we recommend you add the water in three or four goes and stir it very very well after each lot of water: if you don't stir enough the custard can be lumpy.
- When stirring, make sure you get the spoon right to the bottom of the pouch and stir the water right into all the nooks and crannies. After a bit of practice you'll develop a technique!
- After you've stirred, check the level of the food against the fill line, and add a bit more water if needed, so the food level is at the right place. In general, too much water is better than too little.
- Always close the press-seal firmly, to keep the heat in. We recommend covering the pouch with spare clothing, or a purpose-made cosy, to keep your meal piping hot while it's rehydrating.
- Be sure to leave the pouch for the full time indicated, to ensure the meal is fully rehydrated. For some items a time is not given: you can eat these right away, but leaving them for 5 to 6 minutes gives a better result.
- After the indicated time for your meal open the pouch press-seal, stir again and enjoy!