Inside: You don’t need an expensive vacuum sealer to freeze your food. Check out this fantastic tip for vacuum sealing without a machine. You can buy in bulk and save your family time and money.
Back before the husband and I had the kiddo we used to lay around on Saturday mornings watching infomercials. I loved watching all the different cooking gadgets that would supposedly make my life so much easier. I liked watching the juicer that would make my family so much healthier and the set it and forget it cooking machine. But my absolute favorite was the vacuum sealer. We could not only save time and money by purchasing it? Why would anyone resist? It’s a good thing we were too broke to afford any of the machines or else I am sure I would have a kitchen full of as seen on tv products.
As we started a family and my kiddo grew up Saturday morning infomercials lost out to swim meets and I realized that most of that stuff was junk. The one thing I never gave up on was the food sealer. It really did sound wonderful, although way too expensive. So I was so excited when I learned that you can “vacuum seal” your food without a machine. It’s not perfect, but it is way cheaper and it does a pretty good job. If you want to help your food last longer check out this great tip for vacuum sealing without a machine.
I like to look for meat on clearance at the store. I bought a small container this time, but sometimes you can find the huge packages of beef or pork on clearance. By purchasing the meat on clearance and breaking it down into freezer portions that my family will eat we not only money but time too. I can just pull out a small container with steaks and let them defrost for an easy dinner.
You will need some freezer safe ziploc bags and either a sink with water or a large bowl. Start by marking the ziploc bag with what is in it and when to use it buy. I like to use my meats within 3 months of freezing them.
Once you have the bags marked you can put the food in the bags. Fill your sink or a large bowl with cool water. With the bags not sealed careful lower them into the water making sure you keep the top out of the water. The water will remove most of the air from the bag. While the bag is still most of the way underwater seal the top of the bag being careful not to get any water inside the bag.
Once the bag is fully sealed you can remove it from the water. You should have a pretty nice “vacuum seal” on the bag. If you don’t get a good seal just open up the bag and try again. Let the bag dry off before putting it in the freezer.
This method works great on veggies, meats, and fruits that you want to freeze. Not only can you preserve your food for longer so it doesn’t spoil, but it is a great way to save money. By purchasing foods when they are on sale or clearance you can save and enjoy the foods over months instead of eating everything right away. Skip the expensive machine and use this simple tip for vacuum sealing without a machine.
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Nina says
Have you tried a straw? I have been using one for years to suck out the air from the baggie to get a vacuum seal.
Julie says
That’s a great idea! I will try that next time. Thanks!
Whitney says
How does the straw version work?
Julie says
You can use a straw to suck the air from the baggie instead of using the water to force the air from the bag.
Pam Fisher says
I’ve read about the straw many times, but have never heard of dipping in the water. Sounds so common-sense – brilliant. Can’t wait to try this. Thanks for the great idea!