You may think that a food vacuum sealer is just another appliance that will only take up space in your kitchen. However, knowing the benefits of vacuum sealing your food might convince you to own one.
This nifty and compact device can help you save valuable time, storage space, and money.
If you love buying food in bulk, prepping meals in advance, or organising stuff, then a food vacuum sealer will instantly be your best mate.
Here is the rest of what vacuum sealing can do for you.
1. Lets You Save Time and Money
Do you buy meats, fruits, or vegetables in bulk? Doing this can save a lot of money, but why not make it better with the help of a vacuum sealer?
For example, you can divide kilos of pork cutlets or steaks into meal-sized portions. Then, place each into a vacuum bag, seal, label, and freeze.
I particularly like this food vacuum sealing benefit because I only have to thaw one bag for a one-pot lunch or quick weekday dinner. It’s an excellent strategy to cut prep time.
You can leave the meat sealed for sous vide cooking, too. It’s quick, easy, and very convenient.
2. Extends Your Food’s Shelf Life
Highly perishable items are tricky to store. Slight exposure to oxygen or water can quickly result in mould or bacterial growth.
You can beat this problem easily with a vacuum sealer. As the machine removes air or oxygen from the bag, your sealed food is no longer conducive to parasites.
Its shelf life, however, varies based on your storage temperature. Freezer storage naturally keeps your food fresh for the longest.
Another thing I like about this food vacuum sealing benefit is you can preserve your food without nasty chemicals or additives.
Moreover, stretching the life of your food means you get to do your part in addressing Australia’s growing food waste problem.
3. Protects the Quality of Your Dry and Fresh Food
The benefits of vacuum sealing your food is not limited to protection against food spoilage.
That’s because an airtight seal also prevents freezer burn. Without the formation of ice crystals, your frozen food stays moist and flavourful at low-temperature storage.
The absence of air also keeps your sealed dried herbs, spices, tea, and coffee aromatic. When you buy these staples in bulk, portion them in smaller vacuum bags, then seal them.
This way, their aroma and flavour stay intact for several months.
4. Saves Space and Organises Supplies
Large bags of snacks or cuts of meats can easily take up pantry, refrigerator, or freezer space. Also, keeping them in their original packaging looks messy.
I also had this problem until I learned that you can use vacuum seal bags for storing and organising. I especially liked that they are transparent, so you can easily see what’s inside.
Also, chips, nuts, and other snacks stay crisp or crunchy in these airtight bags.
Here are some ideas on how you can maximise this food vacuum sealing benefit:
- Use it for storing sauces, juices, and other liquids: Replace bulky and breakable glass containers with vacuum bags that you can file or stack. Make sure to leave enough headspace on the bag for a secure seal.
- Use it for keeping leftovers: This idea is handy during holidays when you want that Christmas Day ham or roast to stay fresh longer. Storing them in vacuum seal bags takes up less space and keeps chilled air circulating.
- Use it for portioning dry snacks in single packets: Arrange the smaller bags of snacks in an organiser, like wired or woven baskets, so you can quickly grab one for school or work.
You can also vacuum seal non-food supplies in your bug-out bag to keep it neat and orderly. Using the device for sealing travel essentials is also a good idea to maximise luggage space.
5. Makes Prep and Cooking Convenient
The benefit of vacuum sealing your food is not limited to storage and organising. You can also use your machine to speed up your prep and cooking time.
For example, you can do batch cooking or meal prepping every weekend, then portion your cooked items in meal-size servings before chilling or freezing.
On weekdays, grab a bag and microwave or heat its contents in the oven or stovetop.
This trick ticks several items off the list: it saves time and money and keeps your work days (and fridge) organised.
I also like to use the food vacuum sealer when packing camping essentials. If I seal and pack ingredients in advance, I don’t have to bring and wash as many kitchen tools on site.
Earlier, I mentioned that you can sous vide vacuum-sealed food items. However, you can also use the vacuum bags for marinating meats, poultry, and fish for baking or grilling.
I like how this technique keeps the marinade in contact with your food — no need to flip it to marinate the other side.
It’s also perfect when you have to marinate several items at once and not worry about bulky bowls or containers that you need to fit in your fridge.
Final Thoughts
Considering all these helpful benefits of vacuum sealing your food, I am sure a vacuum sealer can bring value to your home.
It can help you save time and money and reduce food waste. It also keeps your supplies safe and organised.
It’s a versatile machine you can use in the kitchen, during travel, for emergencies, and more.
If you think this appliance suits your home and lifestyle, check out our list of the best food vacuum sealers in Australia next. The buying guide included in the article can help you pick the ideal model, too.
