I've been thinking about this kind of thing lately with the Mountain House #10 cans. Once I open a can how long do I have to use it? (Also, how do make sure you get the proper mix from the fist to last meal scooped out of the can?) I think I found somewhere that MH recommends consuming within a week of opening. They report that some customers do things to make them last longer, but they haven't verified those options (vacuum seal, put in the freezer). I am thinking maybe I can purchase the desiccants separately to help keep them dry.