Vacuum sealing food to store in the freezer is an excellent way to dip into food preservation. And I covered the benefits & types of food ideal for vacuum sealing food for freezer storage already. So this post will hit the high points – the actual technique of sealing the food, safety issues, freezer organization tips & more.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links on this post at no extra cost to you. Click here to read my full disclosure.
If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 of this topic. That’s where you’ll find all the relevant stuff prior to actually doing the task.
How to Vacuum Seal Foods for Freezer Preservation
Prepare for vacuum sealing food
Prepare the food: Ensure your ingredients are clean, dry & properly portioned for sealing.
Select the right packaging. Choose high-quality vacuum sealer bags or rolls designed for use with your vacuum sealer machine if possible. These bags are durable, puncture-resistant, and provide an airtight seal to preserve freshness. Choose the right size bag though. You’ll need some space to fit into the machine for the actual sealing so account for this by going a size up if in doubt!
Prepare your bags. If you used rolls, pre-cut the number of bags you’ll need based on the size of the item you want to preserve. Pre-cutting will help you be more efficient. If you preserve liquids, cut the size bag you think will be suitable for the number of portions you want at one time. Be sure to leave a couple inches or so to fit into the sealer. Stick one end of the cut piece into the sealer to seal that end, forming an open bag. I usually label this sealed end with the date & item name.
Fill food into bags
Fill then seal the bags: Check your bags to be sure they are clean & dry before use. Then carefully fill each vacuum sealer bag with your desired ingredients, leaving enough space at the top for sealing. Don’t overfill the bags because this can prevent a proper seal from forming. Once filled, gently press out the excess air to ensure a snug fit. When sealing liquids or moist foods, pre-freeze these ahead of time in a single layer on a baking sheet. To do this, simply fill your bags with the food/liquid but arrange it in such a way that the lip (the part to be sealed) is folded or held upright. This ensures the contents will freeze without spreading out of the bag.
If you’re not vacuum sealing liquids, simply use a paper towel or napkin to absorb excess moisture from the sealing zone.
Seal the Bags. Place the filled bags onto the sealing strip of your vacuum sealer machine, ensuring that the open end of the bag is positioned securely within the sealing area. Close the lid of the machine & activate the vacuum sealing process according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the machine to work its magic, removing air from the bags and creating a tight, secure seal. It’s pretty cool to watch.
Monitor the Process. Throughout the sealing process, keep a close eye on the machine to ensure that each bag is properly sealed. Some vacuum sealers offer customizable settings for sealing different types of foods, so be sure to adjust the settings accordingly if this is your model type. After every bag is sealed, I like to tug along the seam of the seal to see if it opens. And if I have any doubts, I double-seal the bag by running it back through the vacuum sealing machine, this time only sealing it.
Store vacuum-sealed food for later!
Label, Store, Enjoy: Once sealed, if you hadn’t already – label your bags with permanent marker. Then they’re ready for storage in the freezer! When it’s time to enjoy your preserved foods, simply thaw, cook, or reheat as desired.
PRO TIP: For delicate or irregularly shaped items, consider using vacuum canisters or containers. You’ll get a secure seal & protect the integrity of the food without crushing it.
Safety Tips for Vacuum Sealing Food for Storage
Proper Handling of Raw Meats: Practice proper food handling & good hygiene when handling raw meats. Keep these separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination & always wash your hands, utensils & surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat. Remember, consider using separate cutting boards & utensils to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. Wear gloves if need be!
Avoid Overfilling Bags: This will compromise the effectiveness of the sealing process & only increase the risk of leaks or spills. So, you have to leave enough space at the top of each bag to accommodate the sealing process. Avoid overcrowding the bags with excessive quantities of food, and opt for multiple smaller bags if necessary because that will maintain optimal sealing conditions & most likely store better than several large sized bags.
Labeling Packages with Contents and Dates: Properly labeling vacuum-sealed packages with the contents & dates of sealing is essential for maintaining organization & food safety. Clearly label each package with the type of food enclosed & the date it was sealed for easier verification & rotation of stored items. This practice prevents confusion & ensures you can easily track the shelf life of your vacuum-sealed foods. Then don’t forgot to jot this all down in your self-sufficient kitchen logbook!
Tips for Organizing & Storing Vacuum Sealed Foods
Here’s how you maximize freezer space & maintain orderliness when storing vacuum-sealed foods.
Arrange Packages in a Single Layer: When storing vacuum-sealed foods in the freezer, arrange the packages in a single layer. Use a baking tray to lay filled & sealed bags on top of each other. This allows for even freezing & space saved because once frozen, they can be stood up in a filing position without falling over!
Use Labels: At a minimum, label each vacuum-sealed package with its contents & the date it was sealed before placing it in the freezer. Clear labeling helps you keep track of best by/expiration dates & rotation schedules. Consider freezer-safe labels or pens that don’t smudge or fade in the cold. Try to label all your packages in the same position so you can face them all in one direction – like a file cabinet. And it might help to include the quantity inside the vacuum sealed pouch for recipe purposes.
First-In, First-Out (FIFO) System: Place newly sealed packages behind older ones. That way older items are used first before moving on to fresher foods.
This practice helps prevent foods from being forgotten or overlooked, minimizing the risk of spoiling.
Use Stackable Containers or Bins: Invest in stackable containers or bins to keep vacuum-sealed packages organized & easily accessible within the freezer. Such containers will also help you maximize vertical space or create designated storage zones for different types of foods. This reduces clutter & streamlines your freezer. All of that will have you feeling more confident in your kitchen & capable of doing something else like…cooking from scratch!
Consider Freezer Organization Accessories: There are all sorts of freezer organization accessories like freezer shelves, dividers & storage baskets. These accessories help optimize freezer space & prevent overcrowding. But if you have a tiny freezer they may take up too much valuable real estate.
More Uses than just Vacuum Sealing Food
You can use your vacuum sealer for freezer storage of food items & non-food items! Here’s some other practical applications beyond simply storing food. And here’s a few more ways to prep for emergencies with your vacuum sealer too!
Marinating Foods: Listen, I tried this & it was incredibly delicious. If you vacuum-seal meats, poultry, or vegetables with marinades, you accelerate the marination process. The suction acts to infuse the rich flavors of the marinade deeeeeep into every bite seems like. Experience tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time. So, vacuum sealing maximizes the absorption of marinade ingredients for truly mouthwatering dishes. The only problem is it can be tricky to do this with oil or liquid based marinades. I would recommend sealing 95% of the bag first, before vacuuming the air out. You’ll be able to control the pull of liquid better if there’s not much area for it to go. The end result is a criss-crossed sealed bag.
Preserving Non-Food Items. Did you know you can extend the lifespan of non-food items too? Yep, protect them from moisture, dust, and environmental contaminants with vacuum sealing! From important documents or photographs to electronic gadgets, vacuum sealing provides a reliable barrier against the elements. This ensures your valuables remain safe, dry, and pristine over time.
Sealing Emergency Kits: Prepare for unforeseen emergencies or natural disasters by creating vacuum-sealed emergency kits filled with essential supplies. From first-aid supplies & medications to emergency rations or survival gear. Vacuum-sealed kits offer compact, portable solutions for staying prepared & resilient in challenging situations. The same with important documents, with vacuum sealing, you protect your emergency supplies from moisture, pests & degradation.
Maintenance & Care of Your Vacuum Sealer
Incorporating regular maintenance into your routine increases the odds you’ll enjoy consistent, reliable sealing results for years to come. Take care of your things & they’ll take care of you.
Clean the Sealing Bar & Gaskets – After each use, carefully wipe down the sealing bar and gaskets of your vacuum sealer machine with a damp cloth to remove any residual food particles or moisture. Pay special attention to areas where food may accumulate because you do not want yuck stuff growing in there in the dark while this sits in storage.
Inspect and Replace Worn Seals. Periodically inspect the seals & gaskets of your vacuum sealer machine for signs of wear or damage & replace them as necessary. Cracked or worn seals can lead to air leaks and ineffective sealing. That results in reduced vacuum strength and compromised food preservation. And honestly, I recommend just keeping spare parts like these on hand anyway. It’s not if you need them, but eventually when.
Clean the Vacuum Chamber & Drip Tray. Regularly clean the vacuum chamber & drip tray of your vacuum sealer machine to remove debris, residue & excess moisture. Use mild detergent and warm water to gently scrub the surfaces. Then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before reassembling the machine.
Store in a Clean, Dry Environment. When not in use, store your vacuum sealer machine in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight & extreme temperatures. Avoid storing the machine near sources of heat or moisture since that can damage sensitive components and affect overall performance. Cover the machine or re-box it to prevent dust accumulation. Some machines may also have a small handle position they should be in to store them – check that. Mine does.
Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for specific maintenance recommendations about your vacuum sealer model. Some machines require additional maintenance or periodic lubrication to ensure smooth operation and longevity.
So are you ready to dive into this food preservation technique? If so, meet me in the kitchen because this is my favorite!
You’ve got this, lovely!
🌱 Start Small. Start Now. Start where you are with what you have. The rest will follow. 🌱
Is being more self-sufficient something you’re interested in but don’t know where to start?
The Self-Sufficient Roadmap is for you!
Designed it to eliminate some of the overwhelm, find out exactly where you are & what to look forward to next.
Leave a Reply