Guidelines For Vacuum Packaging, Packaguumvac Ing

Guidelines

for Vacuum Packaging

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Vacuum Packaging and Food Safety

The vacuum packaging process extends the life of foods by removing most of the air from the sealed container, thereby reducing oxidation, which affects nutritional value, flavor and overall quality. Removing air can also inhibit growth of microorganisms, which can cause problems under certain conditions:

Mold – Easily identified by its fuzzy characteristic. Mold cannot grow in a low oxygen environment, therefore vacuum packaging can slow the growth of mold.

Yeast – Results in fermentation, which can be identified by smell and taste. Yeast needs water, sugar and a moderate temperature to grow. It causes also survive with or without air. Slowing the growth of yeast requires refrigeration, while freezing stops it completely.

Bacteria – Results in an unpleasant odor, discoloration and/or soft or slimy texture. Under the right conditions, anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum (the organism that causes Botulism) can grow without air and sometimes cannot be detected by smell or taste. Although it is extremely rare, it can be very dangerous.

To preserve foods safely, it is critical that you maintain low temperatures. You can significantly reduce the growth of microorganisms at temperatures of 40°F (4°C) or below. Freezing at 0°F (-17°C) does not kill microorganisms, but stops them from growing. For long-term storage, always freeze perishable foods that have been vacuum packaged, and keep refrigerated after thawing.

It is important to note that vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for canning and it cannot reverse the deterioration of foods. It can only slow down the changes in quality. It is difficult to predict how long foods will retain their top-quality flavor, appearance or texture because it depends on age and condition of the food on the day it was vacuumed packaged.

IMPORTANT: Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute

for refrigeration or freezing. Any perishable foods that require refrigeration must still be refrigerated or frozen after vacuum packaging.

Food Preparation and Reheating Tips

Thawing and Reheating Vacuum Packaged Foods Always thaw foods in either refrigerator or microwave — do not thaw perishable foods at room temperature.

To reheat foods in a microwave in a FoodSaver® Bag, always cut corner of the bag before placing it on a microwave-safe dish. However, to avoid hot spots, do not reheat bone-in meat or greasy foods in microwave within a FoodSaver® Bag. You can also reheat foods in FoodSaver® Bags by placing them in water at a low simmer below 170°F (75°C).

Preparation Guidelines for Meat and Fish:

For best results, pre-freeze meat and fish for 1-2 hours before vacuum packaging in a FoodSaver® Bag. This helps retain the juice and shape, and guarantees a better seal.

If it’s not possible to pre-freeze, place a folded paper towel between meat or fish and top of bag, but below seal area. Leave paper towel in bag to absorb excess

moisture and juices during vacuum packaging process.

Note: Beef may appear darker after vacuum packaging due to the removal of oxygen. This is not an indication of spoilage.

Preparation Guidelines for Hard Cheeses:

To keep cheese fresh, vacuum package it after each use. Make your FoodSaver® Bag extra long, allowing one inch of bag material for each time you plan to open and reseal in addition to the 3-inch room you normally leave between contents and seal. Simply cut sealed edge and remove cheese. When you’re ready to repackage the cheese, just drop it in bag and reseal.

IMPORTANT: Due to the risk of anaerobic bacteria, Soft cheeses should never be vacuum packaged.

Preparation Guidelines for Vegetables:

Vegetables need to be blanched before vacuum pack aging. This process stops the enzyme action that could lead to loss of flavor, color and texture.

To blanch vegetables, place them in boiling water or in the microwave until they are cooked, but still crisp. Blanching times range from 1 to 2 minutes for leafy greens and peas; 3 to 4 minutes for snap peas, sliced zucchini or broccoli; 5 minutes for carrots; and 7 to 11 minutes for corn on the cob. After blanching, immerse

vegetables in cold water to stop the cooking process. Finally, dry vegetables on a towel before vacuum packaging.

Note: All vegetables (including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips) naturally emit gases during storage. Therefore, after blanching, they must be stored in freezer only.

When freezing vegetables, it is best to pre-freeze them for 1-2 hours or until solidly frozen. To freeze vegetables in individual servings, first place on

a baking sheet and spread them out so they are not touching. This prevents them from freezing together in a block. Once they are frozen, remove from baking sheet and vacuum package vegetables in a FoodSaver® Bag. After they have been vacuum packaged, return them to the freezer.

IMPORTANT: Due to the risk of anaerobic bacteria, Fresh mushrooms, onions, & garlic should never be vacuum packaged.

Preparation Guidelines for Leafy Vegetables:

For best results, use a canister to store leafy vegetables. First wash the vegetables, and then dry with a towel or salad spinner. After they are dried, put them in a canister and vacuum package. Store in refrigerator.

Preparation Guidelines for Fruits:

When freezing soft fruits or berries, it is best to pre- freeze them for 1-2 hours or until solidly frozen. To freeze fruit in individual servings, first place on a baking sheet and spread them out so they are not touching. This prevents them from freezing together in a block. Once they are frozen, remove from baking sheet and vacuum package fruit in a FoodSaver® Bag. After they have been vacuum packaged, return them to the freezer.

You can vacuum package portions for baking, or in your favorite combinations for easy fruit salad all year round. If storing in the refrigerator, we recommend using a FoodSaver® Canister.

Preparation Guidelines for Baked Goods:

To vacuum package soft or airy baked goods, we

recommend using a FoodSaver® Canister so they will hold their shape. If using a bag, pre-freeze for 1-2 hours or until solidly frozen. To save time, make cookie dough, pie shells, whole pies, or mix dry ingredients in advance and vacuum package for later use.

Preparation Guidelines for Coffee and Powdery Foods: To prevent food particles from being drawn into

vacuum pump, place a coffee filter or paper towel at top of bag or canister before vacuum packaging. You can also place the food in its original bag inside a FoodSaver® Bag, or use a FoodSaver® Universal Lid with the original container to vacuum package.

Preparation Guidelines for Liquids:

Before you vacuum package liquids such as soup stock, pre-freeze in a casserole dish, loaf pan or ice cube tray until solid. Remove frozen liquid from pan and vacuum package in a FoodSaver® Bag. You can stack these “frozen bricks” in your freezer. When you’re ready to use, just cut corner of bag and place in a dish

in microwave or drop into water at a low simmer, below 170°F (75°C).

To vacuum package non-carbonated bottled liquids, you can use a FoodSaver® Bottle Stopper with the original container. Remember to leave at least one inch of room between contents and bottom of Bottle Stopper. You can re-seal bottles after each use.

Preparation Guidelines for Make-ahead Meals, Leftovers and Sandwiches:

Efficiently store your make-ahead meals, leftovers and sandwiches in the stackable, lightweight FoodSaver® containers. They are microwaveable, top rack dishwasher safe and come with a custom adaptor. The lightweight containers will be ready to head off to the office or school when you are!

Preparation Guidelines for Snack Foods:

Your snack foods will maintain their freshness longer when you vacuum package them. For best results, use a FoodSaver® Canister for crushable items like crackers.

Vacuum Packaging Non-Food Items

The FoodSaver® vacuum packaging system also protects non-food items from oxidation, corrosion and moisture. Simply follow the directions to vacuum package items using FoodSaver® Bags, Canisters and Accessories.

To vacuum package silver, wrap fork tines in soft

cushioning material, such as a paper towel, to avoid puncturing bag. Your FoodSaver® Bags are ideal for outdoor excursions. For camping and hiking, keep your matches, maps and food dry and compact. To have fresh water for drinking, simply fill a FoodSaver® Bag with ice, seal it and when needed, let the ice pack melt. If you’re going sailing or boating, vacuum package your food, film and a dry change of clothes. Just remember to bring scissors or a knife to open the bag.

To keep emergency kits safe and dry, vacuum package flares, batteries, flashlights, matches, candles and other necessities. Your emergency items will stay dry and organized in your home, car or boat.