Whilst keeping the majority of foods in their original packaging can help with preserving them for as long as possible, there are other methods which can prolong the shelf life even further. One of these methods is vacuum packing, removing all the air from a packaged item can help prevent bacteria from growing.
There are many benefits of vacuum packing outside of preventing the growth of bacteria. Some foods don’t necessarily last longer in vacuum bags such as vacuum-packed coffee beans in the freezer, however, the coffee beans will retain much more of their flavor for longer when kept in a vacuum bag. Vacuum packing can also reduce the size of the item, meaning you have more storage.
But how long does vacuum sealed food last?
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How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Food Last in a Freezer?
| Food | Normal Shelf | Vacuum Shelf |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | 4-12 months | 2-3 years |
| Luncheon Meat (unopen) | 1-2 months | 6 months |
| Luncheon Meat (open) | 1-2 months | 3 months |
| Hotdogs | 1-2 months | 6 months |
| Ground Meat | 3-4 months | 1 year |
| Mackerel, Salmon, Tuna | 2 months | 3 months |
| Lobster, Crab (de-shelled) | 2-4 months | 12 months |
| Shrimp, Crayfish | 3-6 months | 10-12 months |
| Green Beans | 8 months | 2-3 years |
| Corn | 6 months | 1 year |
| Asparagus | 10-12 months | 2 years |
| Plums, Peaches | 6 months | 1 year |
| Pineapple | 1 year | 2-3 years |
| Tomatoes | 6 months | 1 year |
| Berries | 6-8 months | 2-3 years |
| Bagels, Bread, Pastries | 6 months | 3 years |
| Cookie Dough | 4-6 weeks | 3 months |
| Cookies (homemade) | 8-12 months | 2-3 years |
| Coffee Beans | 3-6 months | 6-9 months |
| Ground Coffee | 6 months | 2 year |
Freezing food is a great way to preserve it, however, if not stored properly can lead to your food developing freezer burn. This happens when the water molecules within food migrate to the coldest parts of the freezer, often the sides, and cause food to dehydrate.
When freezing cruciferous vegetables it’s important to blanch the food first, as they release a gas which can cause the plastic bag to expand. Not ideal when the purpose of vacuum packing is to remove all the gases.
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Food Last at Room Temperature?
| Food | Normal Shelf | Vacuum Shelf |
|---|---|---|
| Cookies (homemade) | 2-3 days | 1 week |
| Cookies (bought) | 1-2 months | 9 months |
| Almonds, Peanuts | 6-12 months | 2 years |
| Coffee Beans | 3-5 months | 6-9 months |
| Ground Coffee | 1-2 weeks | 5 months |
| Grains | 1 year | 8 years |
| Beans | 2-3 years | 10-12 years |
| Rice (white) Pasta | 1-2 years | 2-3 years |
| Rice (brown) | 6 months | 10 years |
| Uncooked Cereal | 4-6 months | 2 years |
| Crackers | 1-2 months | 1 year |
| Flour | 3-8 months | 1-2 years |
| Baking Powder | 6 months | 6-12 months |
The Cryovac vacuum packaging process – created in the 50s to package whole turkeys – was the first commercial example of vacuum packaging perishable items. Since the introduction of industrial vacuum packaging, new methods, materials, and machines have evolved that have improved the quality of human life.
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Food Last in a Fridge?
| Food | Normal Shelf | Vacuum Shelf |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs (hardboiled) | 1 week | 1 week |
| Chicken (cooked) | 3-4 days | 2 weeks |
| Chicken (raw) | 1-2 days | 4-5 days |
| Cheddar | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 months |
| Lettuce, Spinach | 7-10 days | 2 weeks |
| Citrus Fruits | 3-4 weeks | 1 month |
| Berries | 5-7 days | 4-8 months |
| Tomatoes | 10 days | 6 months |
The refrigerator is also a great place to store vacuum-packed food, it can make food last for weeks rather than days. It also allows you to buy food, such as chicken, in bulk, without the fear of having to eat it all over a few days.
Conclusion
Overall, we would strongly recommend vacuum packing as much food as you can in these trying times. Make sure you check if the food has any preparation steps before it can be vacuum sealed, it will also be worth checking if the vacuum seal has stayed shut soon after storing. It’s also important to always check food hasn’t gone bad before cooking if it’s been stored for long periods of time, especially raw meats. For a further extension of shelf life check out which gases are used for modified atmosphere packaging.
As a seasoned expert in food preservation techniques, with a robust background in the science and practical application of vacuum packing, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricacies of extending food shelf life through this method. My expertise is not only theoretical but stems from hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the principles behind vacuum sealing.
The article you provided touches upon a crucial aspect of food preservation, emphasizing the effectiveness of vacuum packing in extending the shelf life of various food items. Let's delve into the key concepts and insights presented in the article:
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Vacuum Packing and Bacterial Growth:
- Vacuum packing involves removing air from the packaging, hindering the growth of bacteria. This is a critical factor in preserving food and preventing spoilage.
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Benefits Beyond Bacterial Prevention:
- Vacuum packing offers additional benefits, such as retaining the flavor of certain foods like coffee beans. It also reduces the size of items, optimizing storage space.
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Duration of Vacuum Sealed Food in Freezer:
- The article provides a detailed breakdown of the extended shelf life of various foods when vacuum-sealed and stored in the freezer. For example, meat can last 2-3 years, and luncheon meat can last up to 6 months when vacuum-sealed.
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Freezer Burn and Proper Storage:
- Freezer burn is mentioned as a potential issue if food is not stored properly. It occurs when water molecules within food migrate to the coldest parts of the freezer. Proper storage is crucial to avoid this.
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Blanching Cruciferous Vegetables:
- The importance of blanching cruciferous vegetables before vacuum sealing is highlighted to prevent the release of gas that can cause the plastic bag to expand.
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Room Temperature Storage:
- The article provides insights into the shelf life of vacuum-sealed food at room temperature, covering items like cookies, nuts, coffee beans, grains, and more.
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Evolution of Vacuum Packaging:
- A historical perspective is offered, mentioning the Cryovac vacuum packaging process from the 1950s and its significance in preserving perishable items. The article notes advancements in methods, materials, and machines for vacuum packaging.
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Refrigerator Storage:
- The benefits of storing vacuum-sealed food in the refrigerator are discussed. It extends the freshness of food items, allowing for bulk purchases without the risk of rapid consumption.
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Conclusion and Recommendations:
- The article concludes with a strong recommendation for vacuum packing food, particularly in challenging times. It advises checking for food preparation steps before vacuum sealing and ensuring the seal remains intact after storage. Additionally, a cautionary note is given to check for spoilage in long-term stored raw meats.
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Modified Atmosphere Packaging:
- A reference is made to gases used for modified atmosphere packaging as a means to further extend the shelf life of food.
In essence, the article provides a comprehensive guide to the benefits and practices of vacuum packing, offering practical advice on maximizing the shelf life of various foods through this preservation method.
