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The Ultimate Homemade Gorp Trail Mix Recipe

The Ultimate Homemade Gorp Trail Mix Recipe

August 28, 20141073Views

If you aren’t a regular trail blazer, you may likely have never heard of gorp. The name is somewhat misleading in that it typically conjures up ideas of a putty or other unusual mixture. However, gorp is nothing unusual at all. In fact, it is a fairly simple mix of common ingredients. Also known as trail mix, this mixture is a unique combination of ingredients to provide high energy nutrition in an easily transportable mix.

The Basics

Seeds and nuts
Photo from Maddi Bazzocco/Unsplash

Gorp is a mixture of foods that are combined to deliver high impact energy in a convenient, transportable form. The mixture is geared toward easy access food for hikes and other trips during which you need a good shot of energy once in a while.

Trail mix and even “scroggin” are common names for this mixture. The mix is typically dubbed a particular term by regional groups or even outdoor clubs. In any case, though “gorp” is one of the most common terms for the mix. While the exact origin of the term itself is unclear, many believe that it is an acronym for “good old raisins and peanuts” or even “granola, oats, raisins, and peanuts.” While the acronyms fit, it is likely that these terms are only “backformations” or terminology that was invented to fit the term instead of the other way around.

The Recipe

Whatever the origin, this mix is a world renowned snack carried by hikers, backpackers, bikers, travelers, and even just students needing a quick pick-me-up. The mix is fairly easy to make and is generally based on a few key ingredients:

  • Nuts such as cashews, peanuts, or almonds
  • Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries
  • Seeds such as sunflower seeds
  • Coconut
  • Chocolate (optional)

To make the mixture, gather your ingredients and measure equal parts of each of the ingredients in a large bowl. After you have mixed the ingredients, transfer the mixture into easy travel packs, such as plastic snack bags.

Related articles: Making Your Own Trail Mix, Use Your Imagination to Make Your Own Trail Snacks, 5 High Protein Snacks for the Trail

Featured Image from Maksim Shutov/Unsplash