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The Science of Vacuum Sealing: How to Keep Your Food Fresh Longer

Posted on April 18 2023

The Science of Vacuum Sealing: How to Keep Your Food Fresh Longer

 

When it comes to food storage, keeping food fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible is a top priority. One popular method for achieving this is vacuum sealing. But what is vacuum sealing, and how does it work?

 

The Science Behind Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum sealing is a process that involves removing air from a bag or container and sealing it tightly. This creates a vacuum, or a space with no air, around the food. Without air, many of the things that cause food to spoil and go bad are unable to thrive. These include bacteria, mold, and yeast, all of which need oxygen to grow.

In addition to removing air, vacuum sealing also helps to reduce the amount of moisture around the food. This is important because moisture can also contribute to spoilage. By removing air and moisture, vacuum sealing creates an environment that is unfriendly to spoilage-causing microorganisms.

 

How to Keep Food Fresh Longer with Vacuum Sealing

If you're interested in using vacuum sealing to keep your food fresh for longer, there are a few things you can do to maximize its effectiveness.

1. Use high-quality vacuum sealer bags: Not all vacuum sealer bags are created equal. FoodVacBags vacuum sealer bags and rolls are thick and durable, with a strong seal.

 

2. Choose the right foods: Certain foods, such as mushrooms, garlic, and soft cheeses, can contain bacteria that thrive in an oxygen-free environment like the one created by vacuum sealing. If these foods are not properly handled and stored, they can cause foodborne illness.

 

3. Freeze before vacuum sealing: Before you vacuum seal your food, consider freezing it first. Freezing can help to kill any bacteria that may be present and make the food less likely to spoil over time. Freezing can also help to preserve the shape and texture of fruits and vegetables, making them less likely to be crushed during the vacuum sealing process. In addition freezing fruits and veggies can help to preserve their nutritional content, as the freezing process slows down the degradation of vitamins and minerals.

 

4. Label and date your vacuum-sealed bags: It's important to know when your food was vacuum-sealed so you can keep track of how long it has been stored. Label your bags with the date and type of food, so you know what you're storing and when it was sealed.

 

5. Store in a cool, dry place: Vacuum sealing is a versatile food storage technique that can be used for a variety of different types of food, including those stored in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. After vacuum-sealing your food, store it in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard is a good choice. Avoid storing in areas that are humid or prone to temperature fluctuations, like near the stove or refrigerator. When it comes to pantry items, vacuum sealing can help to preserve the freshness and flavor of foods like dried fruits, nuts, and grains, as well as spices and seasonings. Vacuum sealing these items can help to prevent them from becoming stale or absorbing odors from other foods in the pantry.

 

In the refrigerator, vacuum sealing can help to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meats, hard cheeses, and other perishable items. In the freezer, vacuum sealing is particularly useful for storing foods that are prone to freezer burn, such as meat, poultry, and fish. It's important to always follow safe food handling practices and to properly label and store vacuum-sealed foods to ensure their safety and freshness.

 

    Conclusion

    Vacuum sealing is a highly effective method for keeping food fresh for longer periods of time. By removing air and moisture, it creates an environment that is unfriendly to spoilage-causing microorganisms. To get the most out of vacuum sealing, use high-quality bags, choose the right foods, freeze before sealing, label and date your bags, and store in a cool, dry place. With these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of vacuum sealing and keep your food fresher for longer.

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    2 comments

    • FoodVacBags: May 12, 2023

      Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Bob. Pre-freezing is a great way to vacuum seal liquids, baked goods, fruits and other items that may be damaged if vacuumed in its soft state. We appreciate you reaching out. Happy Vacuum Sealing!

    • Bob: May 12, 2023

      Finally, someone says what I have been telling all I meet that are into vacuum sealing. And that is to freeze your food before sealing. If you do that then liquids can be sealed, too.
      Try this.
      Take an equal amount of ground beef and seal one of the amounts immediately. Freeze the other amount for 24 hours and then vacuum it. Wait a month or so and cook them both. Which tastes like it just came from the store.
      Proof, as they say, is in the pudding

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