Review of Orzo Pasta Bolognese Firepot
I came across the Firepot range earlier this year at a trade show and was really impressed by the delicious samples I tasted. As a result, I have really looked forward to trying them out in real outdoor conditions.
Nutrition and flavour
Firepot is a range of dehydrated foods produced by Outdoorfood Ltd. It is aimed at those active in outdoor pursuits and those at home wanting something quick and easy without compromising nutrition and flavour. The products came into being after adventurers, trekking across Greenland, decided that they needed “a healthy, hearty meal that didn’t weigh us down or keep us waiting.”
‘blawin a hooly’
A colleague and I tried the Orzo Pasta Bolognese Firepot while out in the Lammermuir Hills in Scotland where it was ‘blawin’ a hooly’ and raining. In other words, great test conditions.
Packaging
The packaging is excellent. Graphic wise it is very attractive. The front of the pouch has the Firepot logo and summary on a nicely contrasting orange background. Below this is a subdued OS map background and text displaying what the food is, how long it takes to be ready and the number of calories it contains. The rear of the pouch provides very clear instructions, ingredients and nutritional information. For those of us whose eyesight is not brilliant, the good news is that the text is surprisingly legible. Water fill levels are clearly displayed along the edge of the pouch. There is a decent best before date (over two years in this case). Remarkably damage resistant pouch material makes it great for just shoving and squeezing into your rucksack.
Cooking methods
The two different methods of cooking (pan method and pouch method) are described in easy to understand language.
The pan method involves pouring the contents (discarding the oxygen eater sachet) into a pan and adding cold water. Use the fill level marks for measuring the quantity of water required. This is then stirred and brought to the boil. The heat is then turned off, the pan covered, and left to stand for ten minutes. This method would require the washing of the pan afterwards.
Testing the pouch method
For this review, I used the pouch method and followed the instructions. The pouch was torn open along the top and the re-sealable seal was opened. The oxygen eater sachet was removed and boiling water was poured in up to the correct fill level. A ‘use fill level’ number is given in the instructions. Although fairly straightforward, an improvement could be to have the fill levels marked on the inside of the pouch. The contents and boiled water were then stirred together and the pouch sealed. This was then left for 15 minutes.
Long wait?
The method is very simple although a 15 minute wait seems a long time in comparison to many other ‘boil in the bag’ and dehydrated foods. However, this could be a positive for those who have other personal admin points to sort out.
Well cooked?
The contents expanded, as they hydrated, to provide a substantial portion size for one person. On opening the pouch, it was obvious that the food had properly cooked but I stirred it again for good luck! The rice shaped pasta was done nicely; a pleasant change to those dehydrated foods that don’t rehydrate thoroughly.
Piping hot?
On a wet and freezing cold day when in the hills, or a similar environment, a hot meal is wonderful for morale and raising the spirit. During the 15 minutes that the boiled water and the Firepot were infusing, the temperature of it was not being maintained. The meal was consequently not piping hot and a little disappointing in that sense. This may have been as a result of the cold wind. It may therefore be an idea to sit the sachet in boiling water for the last few minutes in such conditions.
Note: a different Firepot was tested the following day, using exactly the same method, and resulted in much hotter food.
Proof of the pudding
It is said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so we ate it. The Pasta Bolognese was good quality and tasted like it was home-made, highlighting the use of natural ingredients. My colleague and I both felt it was lacking in flavour. Perhaps more tomato and seasonings would improve this. For those who prefer something more spicy, there are various other Firepot products including Chilli Con Carne and Rice and Spicy Pork Noodles.
Note: I tested the Chilli Con Carne the following day and found it to be very bland in taste.
Bulk
The product is not bulky at all and its weight, at 135g, is incredibly light. This makes it ideal for backpacking or any other activity where the need to minimise weight and space is an issue.
Allergens
A potential drawback of this particular dish is that it includes Durum Wheat Semolina which could be an allergen for some. Other Firepot products are completely allergen free. The ingredients section of the packaging clearly states the allergens contained.
Nutritional information
Nutrition-wise, one pack of this typically provides:
- 635 kcal energy – over a quarter of the daily recommended requirement
- 19 g fat (7.3 g saturates) – substantially below the maximum daily limit
- 7 g carbohydrates (6.6 g sugars) – almost a third of the daily recommendation
- 7 g fibre – the majority of recommended daily requirement
- 5 g of protein – the majority of recommended daily requirement
- 5 g salt – substantially below the maximum daily limit
Verdict
Overall, the Firepot Orzo Pasta Bolognese is a fantastic blend of natural and nutritious ingredients providing a relatively tasty and very healthy meal that is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It is easy to use and provides a really good part of a person’s daily nutritional requirements. The Firepot is ideal if travelling light is important. The price is a little higher than some other products and may deter those on a tight budget.
Score
I awarded a score, out of ten, for what I consider to be the most important category needs of the outdoor enthusiast for hike/camp food products. These are as follows:
Ease of use: 9
Cooking time: 7
Ingredients and nutrition: 10
Taste: 7
Average 8¼
Note: daily recommended nutritional requirement is based on information from www.nhs.uk and may need to be adapted based on the physical nature of activities undertaken.
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