Vacuum Sealing Jars
We have a vacuum sealer. We use it to vacuum seal our chicken and rabbit into bags before freezing them. We also buy boneless pork loins on sale, cut them into thick boneless chops, vacuum seal in meal-sized portions, and freeze for later. It's real nice having stuff in the freezer and not having to worry about going to the store (40 minute drive one way), especially in bad weather.
Another thing I like to use the vacuum sealer for is bulk purchased dry goods like chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruit. Vacuum sealing is NOT a substitute for canning. It doesn't kill any germs. Vacuum sealing in a mason jar is only a substitute for vacuum sealing in a bag. Mason jars fit on a shelf better, though, so for non-frozen items I use jars.
In the photo, the jar on the left was sealed in December 2006, almost a year ago. The jar on the right was sealed November 5 2007, the same day the photo was taken. The older chips have whitened ever so slightly, but you'd never notice it once you put them into some cookies.
I bought two huge bags of chocolate chips at Sam's wholesale this weekend, so I'm set for another year. Cookies, anyone?
Labels: food
posted by Leslie @ 8:29 AM
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I'd like to see your sealer. We were talking last night that it just makes so much sense not to store things in plastic when we have cases of canning jars. Since I haven't been able to work we have had to readjust quite a bit. Every little thing helps.
Peace
Woody, it's a FoodSaver model V2480 by Telia. That model has been improved since we bought ours. I'd recommend looking at the different FoodSaver machines available to see which one best fits your needs today. Some of the less expensive ones now do more than our old one does.
If you get one I recommend getting a large cannister (great for marinading meat) and of course the regular or wide mouth jar sealer attachment, depending on whether you use regular or wide mouth jars.
When sealing jars, simmer the lids as you would for canning. Then dry with a paper towel, put on the jar (no ring, just the flat), put the jar attachment over the lid, attach the hose to the attachment and to the FoodSaver (it has a little port), and press the button. It's really easy.
Some folks have trouble getting the jar to seal, and they put two lids on. The top lid doesn't seal (you use it on the next jar) but the bottom one does. I haven't ever had that problem but thought I'd mention it. Maybe it has something to do with the thickness or stamping of lids made by different manufacturers.
I sure hope you're back to your normal self soon. What a huge stroke of bad luck.
Thanks for the information. For some reason I was picturing some huge home made sealer..lol
I am feeling a whole lot better. This has been a tough row to hoe. I have never had an injury that required a long term recovery. Thanks for your kind thoughts. It does help.
A huge homemade sealer. First, you get a good sturdy straw (McDonald's should work okay, or one of those squiggly ones they sell for kids). Then you get a heavy duty trash bag. The rest is left as an exercise for the reader. Oh, you'll probably want duct tape.
Yup..duct tape and a shop vac...lol
We have one too and I find they are also a help with my self discipline when it comes to chips. There's something about a resealed bag of potato chips that makes it easier to resist opening it up for a snack, as compared to a bag that has just been folded over a few times.
Self discipline when it comes to chips? That is a totally novel concept. Chips are my numero uno vice, no kidding. I don't think I've ever seen an opened bag with chips still in it. *MAYBE* the gigando mundo family size. Maybe.
Actually, that's a great idea, and it would be super easy to do.
Oooh. Do you go to the exit 119 Sam's? That happens to be *veryclose* to my house?
Andie, Small world! Sometimes I go to the one at exit 117/119 and sometimes the one in Parkersburg. It just depends on what else we have going on. They're each about the same distance from me. I like yours best :)
Another vac-sealer!
The white stuff on your chocolate is just a bit of bloom. It's harmless and happens whenever chocolate is stored a little warmer than the preferred temperature. My chocolate does the same thing.
I used a Tilia 700 for years but finally was able to get a Magic-Vac. They are a central part of my whole food storage program.
.....Alan.
Alan, I'm not familiar with the Magic-Vac. I'll check it out, even though I'm happy with the FoodSaver and a new vacuum sealer isn't in the budget right now. Still, it's fun (and useful) to know what's out there.
Sometimes my bags don't hold a seal, and that's frustrating to me. Even with a small leak, though, they're as good as a freezer baggie or a plastic freezer box.
I really enjoy the jar attachment!
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