Vacuum packers are great kitchen gadgets as they extend the shelf life of food. Vacuum packing is a process in which all the air in a package is removed and is then sealed. This allows food materials to be efficiently packaged and preserved as it provides a barrier to block out any air, moisture, and unwanted flavours from getting into the package.
Vacuum packing means you are able to shop and cook in bulk which can save a lot of time and money. Vacuum packing is a very easy process and can be carried out on most food items. This article will explore which foods can be vacuum packed and how.
Fresh Produce
Whether it’s from your local grocery store, farmers market, or your very own garden, nothing beats fresh, seasonal produce. Investing in a vacuum packer is a great way to ensure you have access to all types of fruit and vegetables all year long. It is crucial to remove any traces of soil from your fruits and vegetables before vacuum packing them as this will remove any risk of bacteria and/or enzymes from the dirt growing in the package. In cold, vacuum-sealed environments, whole fruit and vegetables release certain gases that could interfere with the freshness of the produce. To prevent these problems it is suggested to peel large fruit and vegetables and cut them into smaller pieces. To stop the ripening process it is recommended to first briefly blanch vegetables in boiling water for a couple of minutes. This will also kill off any germs and bacteria. It is also important that fruits and vegetables are completely dry before vacuum sealing.
Meats
A great way to prevent your meat from getting ‘freezer burn’ or changes in flavour is by vacuum sealing it before placing it in the freezer. Vacuum sealers create a barricade that blocks all air, moisture, and unwanted flavours from getting into the package. So by first vacuum sealing your meat, it will taste the same way it did before you stored it in your freezer. You can vacuum pack cooked or uncooked all types of meats. Vacuum sealing makes meat last so long because of the absence of air, facilitating a lifespan of three to five times the lifespan of non-vacuumed sealed meat.
Pantry Goods
Vacuum packers are extremely useful for preserving and storing dry foods. Vacuum sealing goods bought in bulky boxes is a great way to keep the food products airtight while allowing for more efficient storage. When herbs and spices are exposed to moisture, they can wilt or spoil. Extend the shelf life of these products by storing them in airtight packaging. Remember to label your herbs and spices once you have vacuum sealed them so that it is quick and easy to distinguish one from another. If you are more of an occasional baker, you can vacuum seal your flour, sugar, and other baking ingredients so that they stay fresh for when you need them. Snacks like dried fruit and trail mix can also be vacuum-sealed to preserve their freshness. This can also be done in smaller, portioned-out servings to make snacking more controlled and convenient.
Leftovers
Vacuum sealing cooked food is a great way to meal-prep. It is best to immediately vacuum seal any extra prepared food so that you are preserving the meal at its peak. A top tip is to pre-freeze saucy items like soups and pastas in plastic containers. Remove any air bubbles by pushing food down with a spoon or spatula before you pre-freeze it. Once the containers of food are frozen, pop them out and vacuum seal them. Always remember to write the name of the dish and the date it was made before freezing to prevent any confusion.
As this article shows, vacuum sealers are extremely useful and can be used to preserve pretty much any food product. There are only a few foods that cannot be vacuum-sealed. These are food products that contain anaerobic bacteria, which is able to grow without the presence of air. These foods include raw mushrooms, garlic, soft and unpasteurized cheeses, and freshly cooked vegetables (safe to vacuum seal after they are at room temperature).
Vacuum packers are highly convenient gadgets and can seal food products in plastic or glass materials. No preservatives or additives need to be used to preserve your food products when vacuum packing. And if prepared and stored accurately, the shelf life of vacuum-sealed food products can be extended greatly and safely. This can help you to save substantial time and money!