How to Use a Vacuum Sealer to Improve Food Preservation
If you're looking for a way to keep your food fresh for longer and reduce waste in the kitchen, a home vacuum sealer might be just what you need. Easy to use, versatile, and capable of improving food management, it's perfect for those who hate waste and a reliable ally for anyone who wants to plan meals regularly.
Let’s explore how it works and why it’s worth using every day!
What Is a Vacuum Sealer and How Does It Work?
A vacuum sealer for food is a small kitchen appliance designed to remove air from specially designed bags or containers, sealing them airtight. This process creates an oxygen-free environment, which slows down food oxidation and prevents spoilage caused by bacteria and mold.
The result? Fresher food for longer and less waste.
What Foods Can Be Stored with a Vacuum Sealer?
Vacuum sealing is a versatile technique that works for many types of food, whether stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. However, it is not suitable for all foods.
Here are some foods that can be vacuum sealed:
Fresh meat and fish: Raw meat can be vacuum sealed and stored in the refrigerator for 5-6 days, while fresh fish lasts up to 4-5 days.
Fruits and vegetables: Many vegetables and fruits can be vacuum sealed, both raw and cooked, extending their freshness.
Cheese: Aged and semi-aged cheeses benefit greatly from vacuum sealing, preserving their texture and flavor for extended periods—up to 6-7 months. Non-creamy fresh cheeses can also be vacuum sealed for 2-3 weeks.
Baked goods: Bread, cookies, and other baked goods can be vacuum sealed to maintain their fragrance and freshness for longer. Fresh bread lasts up to 10 days, while cookies and other dry baked goods can last up to 6 months.
Dry foods: Pasta, rice, legumes, and nuts can be vacuum sealed to prevent moisture and extend their shelf life.
Foods that should not be vacuum sealed:
Some foods are not suitable for vacuum sealing, such as those that ferment without oxygen (potatoes and avocados) and those that contain too much moisture, like fresh cheeses and dairy products. Lastly, bananas are not ideal for vacuum sealing, as the process does not stop their natural ripening and deterioration.
Why Vacuum Seal Your Food? 5 Good Reasons
Vacuum sealing extends food storage time in the fridge
Have you ever done a big grocery haul over the weekend, hoping to be set for the week, only to find that half of your food has gone bad in just a few days? With vacuum sealing, you can say goodbye to this problem and keep your groceries fresh for much longer.
Vacuum sealing makes batch cooking easier and reduces waste
If you cook on weekends for the entire week or need to plan meals for your family, vacuum sealing is your best friend. You can prepare large portions of food, divide them into servings, and store them without worrying about spoilage. Ready-to-use portions and zero waste—the perfect combination to save time and money.
Vacuum sealing increases the shelf life of frozen food
Storing vacuum-sealed food in the freezer can significantly extend its lifespan. For example, raw meat can last 2-3 months, while cooked meat stays fresh for 4-6 months. However, keep in mind that while vacuum sealing slows bacterial growth, it does not eliminate it completely. That’s why it's essential to follow proper storage guidelines and consume food within the recommended time frame.
Vacuum-sealed food retains its full flavor
Vacuum sealing protects food from oxidation and flavor loss. Whether it's meat, vegetables, or leftovers, every bite will taste just as fresh as the first day. For those who follow a specific diet or prepare meals in advance, this is a game-changer.
Vacuum sealing optimizes space and food organization
Vacuum-sealed bags take up less space than traditional containers, keeping your fridge and freezer neatly organized. This is especially helpful for individuals storing single portions as well as families managing large amounts of food. With vacuum sealing, everything has its place!
Tips for Better Vacuum-Sealed Food Preservation
To ensure optimal vacuum-sealed food storage, it's important to follow a few key guidelines:
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Make sure your food is not close to expiration or already deteriorating, as vacuum sealing does not stop spoilage or improve the initial quality of the food.
Avoid vacuum sealing hot foods: Allow cooked foods to cool completely before vacuum sealing, as steam can interfere with the sealing process and promote bacterial growth.
Use vacuum-specific bags and containers: Ensure you are using containers designed to maintain vacuum conditions and provide safe storage, such as those included with Girmi vacuum sealers: RVT5228, RVT5222, RVT52B1, and RVT52B2. These models are compatible not only with Girmi devices but also with other brands and can be purchased separately. To ensure hygiene and food safety, we recommend never reusing vacuum bags.
Don't overfill the bags: Leave at least 5 cm (about 2 inches) of space between the contents and the opening to ensure a proper seal.
Always label your bags or containers: Write down the packaging date and type of food to track storage times and ensure safe consumption.
Store vacuum-sealed food properly: Keep vacuum-sealed foods in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on the type of food and the recommended storage duration.
Keep your vacuum sealer clean: Regularly clean your device according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain optimal performance and prevent contamination.
How to Choose a Good Home Vacuum Sealer
When selecting a quality vacuum sealer, it’s important to consider several key factors that affect its efficiency and ease of use:
Power and suction capacity: A vacuum sealer with sufficient power ensures fast and efficient air removal. Suction capacity is measured in liters per minute (L/min); for home use, an airflow between 8 and 20 L/min is considered ideal.
Vacuum level: The level of vacuum achieved directly impacts how long food stays fresh. For home use, a good value is around -800 mbar, while professional machines can reach even higher levels.
Sealing bar: The length and type of sealing bar determine the size of bags that can be used and the quality of the seal. A longer sealing bar allows for larger bags, while a double sealing bar ensures a more secure closure.
Girmi vacuum sealers are specifically designed for practical and safe home use, without compromising on the convenience of a compact appliance that can be easily stored in small spaces.
Girmi VT75 is powerful (130 W, -750 mbar) and versatile, offering three functions (seal, vacuum, and container mode), making it ideal for frequent use. It also features a built-in roll holder and cutter for easier packaging.
Girmi VT52 is the most compact and lightweight model (0.94 kg), with strong suction power (-700 mbar) and a reinforced sealing bar. Perfect for small spaces and delicate foods thanks to its pulse vacuum function.