Preserve Food by Vacuum Packing
Vacuum packing is a clean, safe and long-lasting method of preserving food. Vacuum-packed food stays fresh up to five times longer than frozen food, prevents freezer burn, and keeps the texture of the food consistent because microbes and bacteria cannot survive in an oxygen depleted environment. People who buy food in bulk or wish to keep foods fresh for long periods of time may consider vacuum packing to preserve their food. Depending on your needs and budget, there are several different kinds of vacuum packing equipment available. Manually operated vacuum packers are the cheapest type, but usually don't remove air completely from the container. Automatic packers are more expensive, but also the most effective at removing air from the bag.
Instructions
1. Place food in bag or container. Automatic vacuum packers typically use bags, and manual typically use containers. Make sure the food is clean. Avoid filling the bag or container all the way up to the top, as the vacuum packer won't be able to seal correctly without some empty space available.
2. Place bag or container in the vacuum packer. Depending on what kind of vacuum packer you use, the method for placing the bag or container in the vacuum packer will vary, so check the manual for your particular model. If the vacuum packer is an automatic model, you should align the open the end of the bag with the seal bar. Make sure all the corners of the bag are flat so the air will get sucked out of every crevice, then close the vacuum packer lid over the top of the bag. If the vacuum packer is manually operated, make sure the container is locked into place and the lid closed.
3. Place bag or container in the vacuum packer. Depending on what kind of vacuum packer you use, the method for placing the bag or container in the vacuum packer will vary, so check the manual for your particular model. If the vacuum packer is an automatic model, you should align the open the end of the bag with the seal bar. Make sure all the corners of the bag are flat so the air will get sucked out of every crevice, then close the vacuum packer lid over the top of the bag. If the vacuum packer is manually operated, make sure the container is locked into place and the lid closed.
4. Operate the vacuum pack. If the vacuum packer is an automatic, often you simply press a start button for the vacuum packer to turn on. For a manually operated vacuum packer, you usually have to push a hand pump. Wait for the vacuum packer to finish its operations, or pump the vacuum packer until most of the air is removed from the container.
5. Check to see if food is packaged correctly. Sometimes the vacuum packer will not remove all the air from the bag or container, especially if the opening of the bag wasn't placed on the seal bar or if the container wasn't manually pumped enough times. If you see air pockets, or the opening wasn't sealed all the way, place the bag or container back into the vacuum packer and seal it again.
6. Store in refrigerator or freezer. Many foods still require moisture and refrigeration to ensure they keep fresh for several months.
Tags: vacuum packer, container vacuum, container vacuum packer, from container, manually operated, packer automatic
