
Guide to vacuum sealing food – 8 tips to keep in mind
Food vacuum sealing is a great way to help preserve food and keep it fresh for longer. Vacuum sealing also helps keep it flavourful for a more extended period. Some of these foods can stay fresh for weeks or even months, so storing huge quantities of seasonal produce in vacuum bags is a beneficial hack. Here are some tips and tricks to help get the most out of food vacuum sealing.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using food vacuum sealers:
- Label the bags
This helps keep everything organized and easy to spot in the freezer. Many vacuum sealer bags come with their label, so you can easily write down the food contents on the label. It is also essential to write down the date of when it was sealed, the quantity, and any other information necessary. One can even write down the expiry date so it’s consumed before it goes bad. - Fill appropriately
Overfilling the bag is a mistake, so one should always be careful of the food quantity. It is vital to always keep two to three inches of gap between the food and the seal area. This ensures the contents have been properly sealed and no air is left in the gaps. - Freeze meat
One handy trick to vacuum sealing meats is to always freeze them beforehand. Bacteria, which are present in the environment, can harbor in the meat. Once it is frozen, though, the growth of the bacteria halts, making it safe to eat later. Another benefit of this method is that freezing ensures all the juice from the meat remains preserved. This means that when one is ready to open the seal and cook the meat, it will taste just as delicious. - Clean the food
Before sealing anything, make sure that the contents of the bag are hygienic and clean–not just the contents but even the bag.