Crop farming
Smoke and Dry a Food Reserve
Drying eligible food at a suitable fire structure provides a stored reserve for later travel.
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Smoke and Dry a Food Reserve
A secure base with a Stone Oven or Fire Barrel that has its lid fitted.
Before you go
- Stone Oven or lidded Fire Barrel
- Fuel for the fire
- Eligible raw meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, or mushrooms
- Storage space and a way to monitor the fire
Farming steps
- Choose a sheltered processing spot where smoke and fire will not expose you unnecessarily.
- Build or access a Stone Oven or a Fire Barrel with its lid fitted.
- Start the fire with suitable fuel and confirm the structure is operating.
- Place eligible food in the smoking slots rather than leaving it unattended nearby.
- Check the items as they process and remove each once dried.
- Store the dried food in a clean, secure place and keep it separate from raw supplies.
- Carry dried portions on later routes and drink separately to cover hydration.
- Dried food keeps longer, but gives less water than baked food; carry water for the trip.
- Stay nearby and check item condition so food does not burn.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat whenever you have eligible food and fuel. This is a processing loop, not a new food source; it depends on harvested or looted ingredients.
Common mistakes
- Using an uncovered structure without smoking slots: use a Stone Oven or a Fire Barrel with lid.
- Leaving food unattended until it burns: monitor it and remove dried items promptly.
- Relying on dried food for hydration: pack drinking water separately.
When to stop or switch
Stop processing when the reserve you can store is dry or fuel becomes scarce; switch to cooking a meal if you need food immediately.
Sources & fact checks
What you can get here
Open a guide to find other locations and see what the item is used for.