Your vacuum sealer has already made freezing and storing meats and vegetables much easier, but did you know this appliance is just as useful for preserving dry foods? Keeping plenty of food stored in your pantry is important for ensuring that you are well-prepared should there be a power outage or emergency, or if you need a power snack next time you're on the go.
Consider the following six foods that can be easily preserved and placed in the pantry with your FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealer.
1. Dehydrated Fruit
Dried fruits - like apples, oranges, grapes and cranberries - don't need to be stored in the fridge and are well-suited for vacuum sealing, according to USA Emergency Supplies. Since the moisture has already been stripped from these fruits, keeping them in an airtight container is crucial for maintainingthe integrity of the food.
2. Trail Mix
Have a trail mix recipe that you're aching to try? Next time you make a batch, break it up into single servings and package it with your vacuum sealer. This way, you can easily grab a pack next time you're making lunch, running out the door or going camping for a long weekend.
3. Rice/Pasta
Instead of keeping rice and pasta in bulky boxes that take up a great deal of space in your pantry, transfer them to large vacuum-sealed bags to make life easier. It's important to keep plenty of these carbs in storage, as they can make a simple and filling meal in minutes.
4. Cereal
Similar to your rice and pasta containers, cereal boxes can occupy large areas of space. Keep your sugary treats separated from your whole-wheat bites by keeping your cereal in resealable bags that can be used by your vacuum sealer.
5. Popcorn Kernels
Create your own homemade popcorn bags by sealing a handful of kernels with your vacuum sealer. You won't want to microwave these bags, but keeping sizable portions vacuum sealed ensures that no insects or critters can infiltrate your movie-night snack.
6. Herbs and Spices
When your herbs and spices are exposed to excess moisture, they may quickly ruin or spoil. Elongate the shelf life of these products by storing them in a dry place in airtight packaging. It's important to label your herbs and spices when you move them to the vacuum-sealed bags, however. These foods may look similar, but subbing one for another may have disastrous results for your dinner.
