Vacuum sealing food is a good practice as it can help increase the food’s shelf life. Vacuum-sealed food stored in a freezer lasts far longer than food preserved by any other method. But although vacuum sealing is effective, problems may occur if one is not careful during the process. For instance, mistakes during sealing and packaging can lead to freezer burn or spoilage. The following tips can help avoid problems when using food vacuum sealers.

Pick the right sealer
Not all vacuum sealers are the same. Some can seal liquids, while others cannot. In addition, there are special sealers that can seal off jars. Moreover, some may be able to seal different sizes of food packets. Therefore, individuals should purchase a vacuum sealer after considering their needs.

Freeze meats before sealing them
Meat is one of the most common foods that are vacuum sealed. However, many people directly shove meat in the bag and vacuum seal it, which can be a big mistake. The best way to ensure meat doesn’t spoil is to freeze it before sealing. Freezing meat kills the bacteria on it and ensures these harmful microorganisms do not grow inside the vacuum-sealed package. It also ensures the juices are preserved during storage.

Cover sharp food edges with folded wax paper
Beef jerky, meats, and dehydrated foods often have sharp edges that can puncture the vacuum-sealed package. As a result, oxygen may enter the bag, causing food spoilage and making vacuum sealing ineffective. One can cover the edges of sharp foods with folded wax paper to avoid this problem. The paper will ensure a completely airtight seal and work as an additional layer of protection to preserve the food longer.

Label the bags
Labeling does not only mean writing the names of the foods stored in the vacuum-sealed packages. It also involves writing the dates on which the foods were sealed. This approach ensures the food is used before it starts to go bad. Besides names and dates, one can also mention the quantity of food in each package and any specific reheating instructions. However, one should label the bag before filling and vacuum sealing it. This is because the bumpy surfaces created by the food can prove challenging to write properly.

Cuff the bag and fill it just enough
Overfilling the bag may prevent the vacuum sealer from working effectively. So, one must ensure the bag is filled only to a level that makes it easier to vacuum seal it. One way to do this is to cuff the bag by folding it down by two or three inches before filling it. Undo the cuff after filling the bag and seal it. This will ensure there is enough sealing area.