I’ve never been great at stockpiling food for emergencies.
I feel like food waste is always more prevalent when I do so I generally have avoided the practice.
Now that we are living in the time of Coronavirus, a situation that is forcing quarantines and social distancing, all of us have had to get better about food storage and stockpiling. For me, that includes finding ways to use food more creatively to avoid food waste.
To help I’ve been focusing on cooking more at home, being mindful about my food storage, and using my Foodsaver religiously.
The last one is easy because I am basically obsessed with the thing!
If you’ve been thinking about investing in a Foodsaver system to help with your stockpiling and food storage efforts, let me tell you a few things you need to know.
Stockpiling Without Food Waste with Your FoodSaver
What is Stockpiling?
Stockpiling is basically stocking up on essentials that you would need should you be unable to get to a store to obtain them. Generally, people stockpile things like nonperishable foods, water, medications, and first aid items.
When it comes to the Coronavirus, COVID-19, doctors require those who have it or may have been exposed to self quarantine for 14 days. That means you should be prepared with supplies for this amount of time so you and your family are prepared for that possibility.
What is a Foodsaver?
The Foodsaver Food Preservation System is a vacuum sealing system that works with bags and containers to create airtight storage for your food. The system removes air from bags in order to create an air-tight seal to lock in freshness and keep food from spoiling. Food tends to last for up to five times longer than it would in a regular freezer bag or container.
Photo Credit: FoodSaver.com
It can be used on foods that you freeze, store in the fridge, or on the shelf in your pantry and is also good for meats, dry goods, and wet items like soups and sauces.
Which Foodsaver Should I Buy?
I have this one: FoodSaver V2244 Vacuum Sealing System & Starter Kit
It’s perfect for us because I don’t require a ton of extra features – I just want my food vacuum sealed. Plus it’s small and doesn’t take up much room on my counter. For under $100 you really can’t go wrong here.
Here’s a video of me using it so you can see how easy it is to use:
Other options are available for people who want to buy a FoodSaver bundle that comes with extra accessories, those that desire to streamline the bag making process, and those needing to preserve game.
You may want to consider getting some accessories to go with your FoodSaver. For example, a FoodSaver wide mouth jar sealer will allow you to create air tight jars and the FoodSaver containers allow you to seal your food in something other than FoodSaver bags.
You can find all of the FoodSaver products and accessories on Amazon here: FoodSaver
Using your Foodsaver
The Foodsaver is ridiculously simple to use. With a simple push of a button your food can be air tight and sealed in under 30 seconds.
But, here are a few things to know before you get started:
- Use the appropriate bags and containers. Using the Foodsaver approved bags and containers will ensure your food stays safe from freezer burn and staleness.
- Remember, your Foodsaver is for more than just freezing meat. Use it to keep make ahead meals fresh for the week, to keep your bread fresher, and even to keep your holiday decorations safe.
- Pre-freeze liquids like soups and sauces using a muffin tin. Then, take the frozen chunks and vacuum seal them in a Foodsaver bag. Learn more here: How to Vacuum Seal Soups and Sauces
- If you have a certain recipe in mind, you may want to seal your meats already seasoned so they’re ready to pop into your slow cooker when it’s time to eat them.
- Your food can go straight from the freezer to the slow cooker. No need to thaw them first.
- Vacuum sealing even helps keep your fresh foods fresher without freezing them. You can get more life out of vegetables and leftovers in your fridge as well.
- There are also countless uses for your Foodsaver that have nothing to do with food. It can be used for all kinds of cool things like packing, water proofing, protecting collectibles, and organizing.