If you want your food to stay fresh longer, you have to pack it the right way.
You can make use of machines made specifically to vacuum-pack food. Vacuum packing removes air around the food, thereby, reducing the level of oxygen surrounding it. This lack of oxygen slows down the oxygen-dependent microorganisms in the food. It keeps them from growing and spoiling the food. It inhibits the growth of fungus mold, and other bacteria which tend to break down the organic enzymes in food, causing the food to discolor, grow rancid, and become slimy.
The same lack of oxygen also prevents oxidation, the process that spoils food similar to the way continued exposure to air makes bananas and apples turn brown.
Vacuum packing your food by using machines designed for this purpose allows you to store your food without affecting its quality and appearance.
How do you use these machines to pack your food?
- First, get the food that you want vacuum-packed ready. Remove dirt by peeling or scrubbing vegetables and fruits. Take off all the bone and skin that you do not need from meat.
- Put the food in a plastic bag. Try not to use your hands to make sure that the food remains sterile as much as possible.
- Pack the food in individual portions. Vacuum sealing works best when you pack a manageable quantity of produce or a piece of meat rather than cram huge portions in just one bag.
- Make sure that you use the brand of plastic bags that your machine requires.
- Place the open side of the plastic bag inside the machine. Some machines feature an automatic sensor. The machine senses that the plastic bag is inside and mechanically starts to vacuum and seal. Some machines have a button that you need to push to start the process.
- The machine draws out the air from the plastic bag. The plastic bag will start to contract and shrink as this happens.
- The machine will automatically stop once the food has been suitably vacuum-packed and the plastic bag, sealed.
Make sure that you store the vacuum-packed food in a place most appropriate for the type of food — in the freezer, fridge, or pantry.
When you use vacuum-seal machines to pack your food, you help extend the food’s shelf life. The quality of the food, however, will still deteriorate after a certain point. Make sure that you pay attention to food safety guidelines regarding vacuum-sealed food to guarantee safe consumption.
When you are comparison-shopping for vacuum seal systems, look at the brand of the plastic containers or bags that the machines specify. Include the cost of these storage containers in your assessment.
The process of vacuum sealing originated in the 1940s. It was popular with food packing companies as a measure to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage of food, especially those which had to go through long-distance transport. The technique was also effective for preventing freezer burn and keeping food fresh.
Today, vacuum sealing machines have become popular for home use. Households use them for the exact same reasons they were used for in the 1940s. They help households preserve and keep food in a safe, practical, and economical way.
Author’s Bio
Claire works in marketing team at Brillopak, a premium quality, small footprint robotic packing and Automatic Packing System manufactures in United Kingdom. In a former life, Claire worked as a content specialist and she loves writing, reading & cooking.
