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www.ExcaliburDIY.com
Household Vacuum Sealer
VACUUM PACKAGING AND FOOD SAFETY
Vacuum packaging extends the life of foods by removing most of the air from sealed
containers and prevents fresh air escaping into the sealed containers, thereby reducing
oxidation. Vacuum packaging helps preserve flavor and overall quality. It also helps inhibit
the growth of aerobic microorganisms, which can lead to the problems noted below under
certain conditions:
Mold – Mold cannot grow in a low oxygen environment; therefore vacuum packaging can
virtually eliminate it.
Yeast – Results in fermentation, which can be identified by smell and taste. Yeast needs water,
sugar and a moderate temperature to grow. It can 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, clostridium botulinum (the organism that causes Botulism) can grow without
air and cannot be detected by smell or taste. Although it is extremely rare, it can be very
dangerous.
As with any other storage container, it is important to inspect food for spoilage prior to consuming.
To preserve foods safely, it is important to maintain low temperatures. You can significantly
reduce the growth of microorganisms at temperatures of 39.2˚F (4°C) or below. Freezing at
1.4ºF (-17°C) does not kill microorganisms, but stops them from growing. For long-term storage,
always freeze perishable foods that have been vacuum packaged.
It is important to note that vacuum packaging cannot reverse the deterioration of foods. It
can only slow down changes in quality. It is difficult to predict how long foods will retain their
top-quality flavor, appearance or texture because it depends on the age and the condition
of the food on the day it was vacuumed packaged.
Note: 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.
Preparation Guidelines
Vegetables need to be blanched before vacuum packaging. This process stops the enzyme
action, which leads to loss of flavor, color and/or texture. To blanch vegetables, place them
in boiling water or in the microwave until they are cooked, but still crisp. Then, immerse the
vegetables in cold water to stop the cooking process. Finally, dry the vegetables with a towel
before vacuum packaging. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower,
kale, turnips) naturally emit gases during storage. Therefore, after blanching, they must be
stored in the freezer only.