Food waste is a global problem that not only has significant environmental and economic implications, but also contributes to food insecurity. Approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted or lost every year, equating to 1.3 billion tons of food.
One way households can combat this is through food preservation, using various techniques to extend the shelf life of food items, maintain their quality, and prevent spoilage.
Canning is a method of preserving food by processing it in airtight containers, such as glass jars or cans, and heating them to kill any bacteria or enzymes that could cause spoilage.
This method helps to retain the taste, nutritional value, and texture of the food while extending its shelf life.
Canning is commonly used for preserving fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish. There are two primary canning methods: water bath canning, suitable for high-acid foods like fruits and tomatoes, and pressure canning, necessary for low-acid foods like vegetables and meats.
Proper food storage is a crucial aspect of reducing food waste, as it ensures that food items maintain their quality, taste, and freshness for longer periods.
When food is stored correctly, it not only extends its shelf life but also helps prevent spoilage and contamination, ultimately minimizing waste.
Implementing smart food storage techniques can also help save money, reduce the environmental impact of food waste, and contribute to food security.
What’s the absolute best way to keep your homemade bread fresh? Freezing your homemade bread is the best way to keep it fresh. For the best results wrap it in cling film then kitchen foil and put it in the freezer. The freezing process will keep the bread from drying...
Pickling is a method of preserving food by immersing it in a brine solution, which typically consists of water, salt, and vinegar. The acidic environment created by the brine inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, allowing the food to be preserved for an extended period.
Pickling is commonly used for preserving vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, onions, and cauliflower, but can also be applied to fruits, meats, and fish.
In addition to extending the shelf life of the food, pickling can also impart unique flavors and textures to the preserved items. Some popular pickled foods include pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Vacuum sealing is a method of preserving food by removing the air from the packaging before sealing it. This process slows down the oxidation of food and inhibits the growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi, which require oxygen to survive.
Vacuum sealing is particularly effective in preserving perishable foods like meats, fish, and some fruits and vegetables. By vacuum packing food items, their shelf life can be significantly extended, often by several weeks or even months, depending on the type of food and storage conditions.
Vacuum-sealed foods should be stored in a cool, dark place or refrigerated to ensure maximum freshness.
The Truth about Vacuum Sealing & Meat Marination Many articles, blog posts, and even the vacuum sealer manufacturers themselves, claim that meat will marinate faster if it is vacuum-sealed. The idea behind this claim is that by vacuum-sealing meat, the marinade...
Are There Any Health Benefits to Vacuum Sealing Food? The vacuum sealing process does not necessarily make food healthier, but it can help preserve the nutritional content of the food. Vacuum sealing removes air from the packaging, which can in turn slow down the...
Commercial Chamber Vacuum Sealers Hamilton Beach PrimaVac 406 If you’ve got the counter space for it then the 406 is your best option due to its NSF listing, powerful pump, and the sheer size of its vacuum chamber. It’s the largest of the countertop vacuum sealers in...
Is It Safe to Vacuum Seal Food When It’s Still Hot? No, it’s not safe to vacuum seal food when it’s still hot for two main reasons: Firstly, the boiling point of a liquid is much lower in a vacuum, so the hot food could start to boil inside the sealer bag as the...
Ary VacMaster VP200 The Good Maintenance-free pump Simple control panel interface Clip to hold vacuum bags in place Accessory hose port Small footprint & very light The Bad Dry pump is slower & less reliable than an oil pump Only 3 preset timing modes Too...
Ary VacMaster VP215 The Good Heavy duty stainless steel Long lasting oil pump Double seal bar for stronger seals Perfect for sealing liquids The Bad No accessory port for jars or canning Not suitable for sealing Mylar bags Requires oil changes [amazon...
FoodSaver GameSaver Big Game DC adaptor, rugged construction & carry handle make it perfect for home and outdoor use Features 11” double-wide seal bar12V DC & 110/120V compatibleHandles up to 80 consecutive sealsBuilt-in bag storage and cutterIntegrated carry...
Can You Vacuum Seal Liquids & What Is the Best Method? Yes liquids, marinades, soups, and wet food can be vacuum sealed. The best method for vacuum sealing liquids depends on which type of vacuum sealer you are using but the easiest is to use a chamber vacuum...