The time for canning and storing is almost upon us. If you are growing a garden and are planning to “put back” some of your yield, you obviously know the importance of vacuum sealers. For those who are just starting out with their self-sustaining homestead garden, let’s take a moment to discuss the importance of vacuum sealers.
A vacuum sealer is probably one of the greatest food saver inventions of all time. Any type of food (except extreme liquid foods) can be sealed. You want to make sure that you don’t waste any of your precious food supply and this is one way to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Storing food in containers is a great way to store food and along with that, you can use a vacuum sealer to store individual packets of food and then place them in the container.
There are two types of sealers: one is hand-held and one will sit on a countertop or bench. Look for a hand-held sealer that can seal large and/or Mylar bags. The countertop version uses rolls of plastic that you can cut to individual sizes.
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The clear plastic food sealer bags are great for short-term but you want to use the Mylar bags for long-term storage. The bags are air permeable which means they are prone to leak and will eventually deteriorate. If this happens, your food will become compromised.
Mylar bags are the preferred method for long-term storage. Along with the Mylar bags, you will also want to use oxygen or moisture absorbers. Moisture can do a great deal of damage to your stored food. If this happens, it will become tainted and unfit for consumption.
Mylar bags are much more durable than the plastic bags. Don’t take this wrong. The plastic bags are great for short-term! But if you are thinking about long-term, Mylar is definitely the way to go. The Mylar bags don’t puncture and they won’t let light seep through like the plastic bags. You can double-seal if you so choose.
If you use the Mylar bag to seal beans, for instance, place your beans in the bag and add an oxygen absorber. If you can’t find one or don’t want to pay the expense of buying the hand-held Mylar bag sealer, a flat iron will work just fine.
When you are sealing the bag, leave enough of an opening to stick a durable straw through the hole.
Take a straw and stick the straw in the hole. Attach a clear hose (usually comes with the sealer) to the end of the straw and insert the other end of the hose back into the appropriate spot on the vacuum sealer.
The sealer will suck out as much of the air as it can. Remove the straw and then seal with your flat iron. It is ok if there is a small amount of air left in the bag. If you have inserted an oxygen absorber in the bag, it will absorb any of the left over air.
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One really good idea is to double-seal your meals! Take an entire meal and place the individual plastic bags inside a larger Mylar bag with an oxygen absorber. Seal with an oxygen absorber as before with a straw.
This process can be started by doing small amounts at a time. If you buy the large rice bags and divide it into individual Mylar bags, it might take a while to accomplish. It is a little time consuming and your sealer may overheat. Not to worry! You will be well-prepared when the time comes.
Don’t reuse bags if you have put raw meat into the bag. Raw meat can leave bacteria on the surface of the bag.
Using a vacuum sealer is extremely easy and once you learn how to use it, you will be sealing everything in sight!
Popular Questions
Why is the importance of vacuum sealers significant for food storage?
The importance of vacuum sealers comes from their ability to remove air that contributes to oxidation, freezer burn, and spoilage. Sealing food in airtight bags can help preserve flavor, texture, and freshness longer than many ordinary storage methods. Portion foods before sealing so you can thaw only what you need.
How does using a vacuum sealer help reduce food waste?
Vacuum sealing can extend the usable life of meats, vegetables, dry goods, and prepared meals when foods are stored under proper conditions. Longer storage gives you more time to use garden harvests, bulk purchases, and leftovers before they spoil. Label each package with its contents and sealing date to keep older food easy to identify.
What are the main benefits of vacuum sealers for homesteaders?
The importance of vacuum sealers is especially clear for homesteaders who preserve seasonal harvests and store home-raised or purchased foods. A vacuum sealer can save freezer space, organize portions, and protect foods from moisture and air exposure. Use freezer-safe bags for frozen items and leave enough space at the top for a secure seal.
What should you avoid when using a vacuum sealer?
Even when the importance of vacuum sealers is well understood, they do not replace safe food-handling and refrigeration practices. Do not vacuum-seal spoiled food, and refrigerate or freeze perishable items promptly after sealing. Avoid sealing sharp bones or wet foods without using an appropriate setting or pre-freezing method, because punctures and excess liquid can weaken the seal.