Food Preparation and Storage Guide
T H E F O O D S A V E R U S E R M A N U A L
25
Where to
Recommended
Vacuum
Normal Storage
L
E A F Y
V
E G E TA B L E S
Store
FoodSaver
Packaged
Life
(without
Container
Storage Life
vacuum packaging)
FoodSaver
Lettuce, Spinach
Refrigerator
Canister
2 weeks
3 to 6 days
Preparation Guidelines for Leafy Vegetables:
Wash vegetables, towel or spin dry
and vacuum package. You can then
open the canister and take what you
need each time you make a salad.
Where to
Recommended
Vacuum
Normal Storage
F
R U I T S
Store
FoodSaver
Packaged
Life
(without
Container
Storage Life
vacuum packaging)
Apricots, Nectarines,
Peaches, Plums
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
1 to 3 years
6 to 12 months
Softer berries
(i.e. Boysenberries,
Refrigerator
FoodSaver
1 to 2 weeks
1 to 6 days
Blackberries, Raspberries,
Canister
Strawberries)
Harder berries
FoodSaver
(i.e. Blueberries,
Refrigerator
2 weeks
3 to 6 days
Cranberries)
Canister
Preparation Guidelines for Fruits:
When freezing soft fruits or berries
in a FoodSaver Bag, it is best to pre-
freeze for 1-2 hours or until solidly
frozen. To freeze fruits in individual
servings, place sliced fruit or berries
on a baking sheet and spread out so
the pieces are not touching. This
way they will not freeze together in
a block. Then vacuum package in
portions for baking, or in your
favorite combinations for easy fruit
salad all year round.
Keep berries fresh longer in the
refrigerator by repackaging them in
a FoodSaver Canister. You can open
the canister and take what you need
for snacks or fruit salad, then reseal
to maintain freshness.
T H E F O O D S A V E R U S E R M A N U A L
24
Blanching
Where to
Recommended
Vacuum
Normal Storage
V
E G E TA B L E S
Times
Store
FoodSaver
Packaged
Life
(without
Container
Storage Life
vacuum packaging)
Asparagus
1
1
⁄
2
to 3 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Whole kernel corn
4 to 5 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Corn on cob
6 to 11 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Snow peas
1
1
⁄
2
to 2 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Sugar snap peas
1
1
⁄
2
to 2 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Green beans
3 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Broccoli
3 to 4 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Brussels sprouts
3 to 5 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Cabbage
3 to 5 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Cauliflower
3 to 4 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Preparation Guidelines for Vegetables:
◗
Vegetables should be blanched
before vacuum packaging. This
stops the enzyme action, which
will eventually cause loss of flavor,
color and texture.
◗
Blanch vegetables by placing them
in boiling water or in the micro-
wave until they are cooked but
still crisp. Immerse in cold water
to stop the cooking process. Dry
vegetables on a towel, then freeze.
◗
To freeze vegetables in individual
servings, place them on baking
sheets and spread out so that pieces
are not touching. This way they
will not freeze together in a block.
◗
Place baking sheet in the freezer
for 1-2 hours until the pieces are
solidly frozen.
◗
Vacuum package in a FoodSaver
Bag and return to the freezer for
long-term storage. Remember, you
can microwave and boil FoodSaver
Bags right from the freezer.
◗
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, cabbage,
cauliflower, kale, turnips) emit
gases during storage. Therefore, they
must be stored in the freezer only.
