Preparing Cheeses for Vacuum Sealing

VS250.Pub1000001093 7/16/04 2:00 PM Page 8

STORAGE GUIDES*

Preparing Meats/Poultry/Fish for Vacuum Sealing

For best results, freeze for 1 to 2 hours before vacuum sealing.

If pre-freezing is not an option, place a folded paper towel in the center of the bag to absorb excess liquid, then place meat in bag. Vacuum seal bag with paper towel and meat in place.


Meat/Fish/Poultry	Where	Recommended	Black & Decker®	Normal
	to Store	Storage	System	Recommended
		System	Storage Time	Storage Time**
Meat (beef stew type)	Freezer	Bag	3 years	6 to 9 months

Lamb	Freezer	Bag	2 years	3 to 4 months
(steaks and chops)
Pork (chops)	Freezer	Bag	2 years	2 to 3 months

Ground beef	Freezer	Bag	1 year	2 to 3 months
Poultry (whole chicken)	Freezer	Bag	3 years	12 months
Fish (lean)	Freezer	Bag	2 years	6 to 8 months

**Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

If cheese is used frequently, you might want to make the bag longer than normal by 3 to 4-inches (7.5-10 cm). That will allow you to cut to open and leave enough room for 3 or 4 reseals.

Tip: For cubed cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss, freeze cubes on a cookie sheet 30 minutes to 1 hour before vacuum sealing. For shredded cheeses, toss with

1 tablespoon (15 ml) all-purpose flour per 2 cups (500 ml) of cheese; spread cheese lightly on cookie sheet and freeze 20 minutes before sealing.


Cheese	Where	Recommended	Black & Decker®	Normal
	to Store	Storage	System	Recommended
		System	Storage Time	Storage Time**

Processed cheese	Refrigerator	Bag	8 months	1 to 2 months
(slices)
Cheese, hard	Refrigerator	Bag	6 to 8 months	3 to 4 months
(opened)
Parmesan, Romano	Refrigerator	Bag	6 to 8 months	1 month
(shredded)

Hard and wax-coated	Refrigerator	Bag	6 to 8 months	3 to 4 weeks
cheese, Cheddar,
Edam, Gouda, Swiss
(opened)

**Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

*Recommended storage times are for quality only. Follow safe food-handling procedures and consult individual product recommendations.

Preparing Vegetables for Vacuum Sealing

Vegetables should be blanched before vacuum sealing to retain nutrients, flavor and color.

To blanch vegetables, place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook according to the chart below, then immediately drain and plunge drained vegetables into a pot of very cold water to stop the cooking. Drain vegetables then place on paper toweling or on a kitchen towel to dry, then vacuum seal and freeze.


Vegetables	Blanching	Where	Recommended	Black & Decker®	Normal
(home frozen)	Time	to Store	Storage	System	Recommended
			System	Storage Time	Storage Time**

Asparagus	1 to 3 minutes	Freezer	Bag	3 years	10 months

Broccoli	3 to 4 minutes	Freezer	Bag	3 years	10 months

Brussels	3 to 4 minutes	Freezer	Bag	3 years	10 months
sprouts

Cabbage	3 to 5 minutes	Freezer	Bag	3 years	10 months

Cauliflower	3 to 4 minutes	Freezer	Bag	3 years	10 months

Corn, on the cob	6 to 12 minutesFreezer		Bag	3 years	10 months

Corn,	4 to 6 minutes	Freezer	Bag	3 years	10 months
whole kernel

Green beans	2 to 3 minutes	Freezer	Bag	3 years	10 months

Snow peas	1 to 2 minutes	Freezer	Bag	3 years	10 months

Sugar snap peas	1 to 3 minutes	Freezer	Bag	3 years	10 months

**Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

VS350, VS450, VS250 specifications

Black & Decker has long been a name synonymous with versatile power tools and home improvement equipment. Among their stellar offerings, the VS350, VS450, and VS250 Series stand out, each designed for specific tasks while sharing a commitment to quality and performance.

The Black & Decker VS350 series is designed primarily for light-duty cleaning tasks. It features a lightweight, compact design that makes it easy to maneuver, whether you are tackling household chores or cleaning up a garage. Equipped with a powerful 7-amp motor, this series delivers consistent suction power, making it perfect for picking up dirt, debris, and liquids. Additionally, the VS350 series includes various attachments, such as crevice tools and brushes, providing users with the flexibility needed to clean hard-to-reach areas and different surfaces effectively.

The VS450 series steps up in terms of power and versatility. It includes an enhanced motor that provides increased suction capabilities, allowing for deep cleaning across a range of surfaces. A highlight of the VS450 series is its tank capacity, which is larger than its predecessor, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without the need for frequent emptying. Moreover, the VS450 series is equipped with advanced filtration technology, ensuring that dust and allergens are trapped effectively, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.

On the other hand, the VS250 series is positioned as an entry-level option that maintains a focus on reliability and ease of use. Ideal for smaller cleaning tasks, the VS250 combines user-friendly features with manageable power. It is lightweight and easy to transport, making it suitable for quick clean-ups around the house or in the car. The series also blends functionality with straightforward operation, making it an excellent choice for those who may not require the advanced features of the VS350 or VS450.

All three series from Black & Decker exhibit remarkable build quality and innovative technologies that cater to diverse cleaning needs. Whether you opt for the lightweight convenience of the VS250, the robust capabilities of the VS350, or the powerful and versatile performance of the VS450, each model promises to deliver a user-friendly experience designed to make household cleaning less of a chore.

Investing in a Black & Decker vacuum from one of these series means benefiting from durable construction, exceptional performance, and an effective cleaning experience tailored to different requirements.