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Farm Kitchen:  Getting More Use Out Of Your FoodSaver?  |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 16 2013 : 12:53:53 PM
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Hi girls!
I'm just wondering how you are getting more use out of your FoodSaver? I just found out about the whole "salad in a jar" thing, and am over-the-top excited about it for storing prepared lettuce in the fridge! I've been pretty much using my FoodSaver when I want to freeze veggies or for long-term storage of foods like nuts or dehydrated foods in jars, but when I learned about using it to prolong the life of lettuce in jars, my wheels really started turning! Whodathunkit?
I am wondering if you use your FoodSaver-sealed canning jars in the fridge for extending the life of other veggies, etc.? I was thinking I might like to try using jars instead of bags for blocks of cheddar and other types of cheese (like feta), and maybe for carrots or cucumbers, or maybe even onion (when I only use a little bit - would the rest last longer if stored in a vaccuum-sealed jar?) or for cut-up fresh broccoli and cauliflower? I realize these foods wouldn't last forever stored this way, of course, but it would be nice to have them last a little longer, you know? I just love having pre-cleaned and cut fresh veggies and fruit (like strawberries) in the fridge at the ready; but sometimes they don't last very long. I would be more than happy to vaccuum-seal them in jars if they'll keep a little longer!!!
And I especially love the idea of using canning jars instead of the bags for foods that we use more quickly - how so much more economical and better for the environment is that?!
SO, if you have any suggestions, tips, hints, etc., I would be THRILLED and super grateful if you would share!
Thanks so much!
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Feb 16 2013 12:58:20 PM |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2013 : 1:07:20 PM
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another great idea which my daughter uses the bags for is serving portions of meals when she backpacks and camps, light weight, non-bulky and the trash is easy to bring back with you...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2013 : 7:59:41 PM
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Great idea, Tina! :) We could do that when we take day trips (to the museums, for example), too!
I decided to give this a try: I cut a huge chunk of cheddar, put it in a wide-mouthed pint jar and vacuum-sealed it. I shredded the rest of the cheddar, put it in another wide-mouthed pint jar, and vacuum-sealed it. Put both in the fridge. Then I filled a quart jar with shredded mozzarella (usually freeze my shredded mozzarella), vacuum-sealed it, then popped it in the fridge with the other two. I'm interested to see if this works for us. The FoodSaver bags are great, but expensive, and not exactly environmentally friendly. I like the idea of reusing my jars for this kind of thing, and I'm hoping that putting the cheese in the vacuum-sealed jars will have a similar effect as if I had sealed them in the bags - meaning, that the cheeses won't mold quickly. I hate freezing cheeses because they become crumbly when I defrost them - their textures just change, you know? And when I vacuum-seal the bag, it just seems such a waste. We'll see. Next time I buy fresh broccoli and cauliflower, I'm going to try the same and see how it goes. We love snacking on the fresh stuff, but it always seems to go bad more quickly than we can eat it. I'm hoping this will be a good alternative, and, if so, I'll experiment with some other veggies. Like I said, I don't expect the fridge shelf life to be extended forever or anything, but I sure would like it to last longer than it usually does. I am dying to try this with the lettuce, too - I love the idea that it might extend the life of store-bought organic lettuces during the winter months!
Really... Any other ideas, girls? Has anyone had any experience with this???
Thanks!
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Apr 04 2013 : 02:41:04 AM
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Nini i just got my first foodsaver and love it. i plan on using mason jars to keep the dehydrated veggies i make and for freezing meats. mine also came with a container which can also be used with the foodsaver and i love it. it would be good for cheese or cold cuts for sure. i plan on getting a few more containers for certain foods. i also plan on making some dry meal pouch foods and dried meals in a jar for emergencies.
connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Apr 04 2013 : 03:03:44 AM
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That's so great, Connie! I actually am really liking using the jars for fresh cheeses and cut-up veggies! By sealing them in the jars, they are taking up a lot less room in the fridge, and truly are lasting longer (LOVE that the cheese doesn't mold or get dry around the edges - WOW!). I realize this isn't long term storage, but I am really happy about how much longer the foods are staying fresh for longer periods, not too mention using less bags and having more room on the shelves! :) I haven't ventured to use it for leftovers, though, because we usally either freeze them as meals or my hubby takes them to work for lunch the next day.
I do use my jar sealer with half gallon jars to store pasta, dried fruits and beans, dehydrated fruits and veggies, and nuts in the cupboard! I used to freeze nuts, but I like them much better "fresh" out of the jar!
I was thinking about storing cold cuts in the jars, too, but my guys have used them up so quickly, it seems silly to go to the added work. Having said that, however, I am thinking that it would be a lot more convenient to buy them in larger quantities from the butcher shop and storing them in jars... Have you tried storing the cold cuts in the containers? Does it slow down the "slimy" transformation when you vacuum pack them?
I had just read an article about creating dry meals in jars - I like the idea of putting them in pouches, too, though! Do you have any dry meal recipes you'd like to share? I think that's such a great idea!
You know, it's so funny... I have all these beautiful dehyrated, dried and home-canned foods in the pantry, but they look so pretty in their jars, I hate opening them! LOL! I'm never going to learn how to cook with dried foods this way! LOL!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Apr 04 2013 03:06:18 AM |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
Posted - Apr 04 2013 : 10:47:55 AM
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Hey girls,
Not meaning to hijack your thread Nini but I have been wanting to get a Food Saver. Does anyone have a good recommendation?
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Apr 04 2013 : 12:33:32 PM
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Hijack away, girlfriend!!! :) I got mine last year after listening to what our farmgirl sisters had to say about it... I don't think I have the newest model, but I did purchase the attachments to seal the canning jars and I absolutely love it. Coscto has the newest model available in their stores, but I'm not sure what it comes with, other than some bags. What are you looking for, exactly? Maybe that will help give us an idea of what to recommend...
Connie, THANK YOU for those links!!! AWESOME!!! I didn't know they have gallon jars! I have only found the half-gallon jars, which have the regular canning lids. I absolutely love them for dried food storage, but they can't be used to hot water bath or pressure can foods because there are no canning safety guidelines due to their size. I mostly use mine for storing larger quantities of flour, sugar, pastas, nuts, dried milk and craisins - stuff like that. Sealable gallon jars would be awesome! Please let me know what you find out!
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Apr 04 2013 12:34:19 PM |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2916 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2916 Posts |
Posted - Apr 04 2013 : 1:05:53 PM
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Nini
Do you have to re-seal the jar every time you use it?? I guess you would.
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Apr 04 2013 : 1:44:16 PM
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Hi Lisa!
Well, you probably don't HAVE to if you're going to use the contents again right away, but I would if it was going to sit unused for a few days, you know? For example, I had a sealed jar full of shredded mozzarella in the fridge for two weeks. I opened it to use about half the jar, then resealed it because I knew I wouldn't be using the rest for another couple of weeks. Almost two weeks later, I re-opened the jar, used half of what was left for a meal, but didn't seal it upon returning it to the fridge because I knew I was using the remaining cheese for a dish I was making a few nights later. With each use, the cheese was as fresh as the day I shredded it - no mold, no moisture, just dry, freshly shredded mozarella! Our chunked cheddar was also stored in sealed jars in the fridge, and it never molded, nor did the edges dry out. I was pleasantly surprised indeed!
With moister foods, I think I might seal it each time in order to try to keep air out and prevent more rapid spoiling. I have had good success doing this with lettuce, for example. I buy a few heads at a time, wash it, spin it, then place torn pieces in sealed quart jars, and find that it does not spoil nearly as quickly as it does when stored in those zip-sealed gallon bags. When I go to use it, I just open the jar and pour it into the bowl, and it's very "fresh." I really like it, and I love how neatly the jars line up in the fridge and save space. I have also found sliced peppers last a lot longer this way as well. I don't know about you, but I like prepping my veggies ahead of time so I can just pull them out of the fridge as needed; but unless we use them fairly quickly, they get all soft, mushy and watery in a very short period of time. When I place them in canning jars and seal them with the FoodSaver, however, they store "freshly" a lot, lot longer! Another thing I've noticed is that no matter what we do, we have issues with high-water-content vegetables freezing in our fridge. For some reason, storing them in sealed jars has completely eliminated this problem! YAY!
Please know, though, that you really have to be careful about the food you store in the fridge this way. Although it does help prevent rapid spoiling, it's not meant at all to be a long-term storage option. If you are going to keep, say, leftover stew in the fridge in a sealed jar, you may have a few extra days of storage by doing so over simply putting it in any old container in the fridge. Sealing foods in jars this way is in no way meant to be a long-term storage option; you will still have spoilage and will need to be careful about what you consume. If you want to save leftovers for long-term storage, you should instead freeze it or can it accordingly. I know you probably know that already, but thought I should put that out there soas not to confuse anyone. :)
Hope this helps!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
Posted - Apr 11 2013 : 1:05:57 PM
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Hi Nini :)
Sorry I forgot all about asking you!
When I get a food saver it will be mainly to use for the freezer, meats, fish, fruit and vegetables. Oh, and probably for dehydrated fruits and veggies too.
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Apr 11 2013 : 2:54:52 PM
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Hi Sharon!
Okay - When you purchase your FoodSaver, the only thing I would suggest pretty much any model as far as freezing. You can, of course, also seal your dehydrated fruits and vegetables in bags, as well. However, if you want to use canning jars to seal your dried fruits and veggies (just my personal preference - they're "neater" on shelves), then you'll just want to be sure that there is a port available so that you can attach a hose and then use the vacuum-sealer attachments to fit your canning jar lids. The attachments come in two different sizes - one for regular mouth lids, the other for wide mouth lids. My FoodSaver came with the hose, but not the attachments for the jar lids. Those I found were cheapest on Amazon.com - but that was a year or so ago, so you might want to do a little search to see where you can obtain them the cheapest. The other nice option you'll have with the hose attachment are the various FoodSaver containers, canisters, marinator and wine stoppers. I haven't used any of them yet, but I do appreciate the options! :)
FoodSaver.com usually offers a nifty starter kit, which will include a new model FoodSaver as well as a few accessories to get you started. The nice thing is that they extend an interest-free multi-payment option, if that interests you. I know QVC also offers a similar-type package deal with an occasional offer of easy pay. Of course there are probably shipping fees plus tax to consider with your purchase (whereas you'd save a bit by purchasing in-store), but the price is probably a little better on FoodSaver.com, QVC and Costco(below) because their machines usually come with a variety of rolls, bags and other nifty little gadgets to get started.
Right now in April, Costco has the FoodSaver V3880 model (I think it's the latest model, but am not sure) on sale with coupon for just $119.99, and I believe you can purchase it in-store or have it shipped to your home. http://www.costco.com/.product.11681327.html It comes with a single 11 x 18" roll as well as 12 quart heat seal bags. Personally I prefer the rolls because you can adjust them to whatever size you need. Another good thing about the rolls is that if you're going to seal something like a large quantity cheese, you can cut the roll to a longer length so that when you re-open it you can cut it flat across and reseal the remaining contents again for storage. You save bags that way. The nice thing is that this particular model comes with a RETRACTABLE accessory hose, which is much more convenient than having a separate hose to store that you pray you don't lose. ;) Mine is separate, so I keep it in the box with one of the lid sealers.
You can purchase additional bags and rolls at Costco, Sam's, BJ's, Target (at least here), and I'm sure on a whole host of websites, including the FoodSaver website itself. Usually Costco and Sam's have a combo bag/roll multi-pack available in-store that will save you some money (even moreso if they're offering a coupon or discount on a given month), but I find that I prefer only a couple of different sized rolls and don't really use others - it's just a matter of personal preference. You can also sign up for sale notifications on the FoodSaver website for deals on items they offer throughout the year. And, of course, you can find just about anything on Amazon, and you can easily compare prices on their site.
Having said all of that, however, you can probably find a good second-hand model - newer or older - that you will be quite satisfied with, and which will hit you a lot less in the coin purse. Thing is, though, if you want to seal in jars or other containers, you really want to be sure that the model you choose has that nifty little port and hose, or the retractable hose. :)
I hope this helps you a bit, but please let me know if you have any other questions - I'm no expert, but am always happy to try to help! :) I've pretty much learned everything I know from our AWESOME farmgirl sisters in various posts, and have been having fun with mine since I got it last year!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Apr 11 2013 2:58:45 PM |
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2013 : 08:18:40 AM
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For those who are interested in saving a $ or 2 or 3...
Coupons.com has a coupon for $15 off a food saver machine. I've also seen $2 off coupons for the bags on other coupon sites. I'm planning on picking mine up this week.
Thanks for all your wonderful posts - I'll definitely be looking at getting the canning jar lids and attachment. I agree that's the best way to go for price and for the environment.
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 teenagers, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog: http://www.suburbanprairiehomemaker.com
and follow me on Facebook (Suburban Prairie Homemaker), Twitter (@sphomemaker), and Pinterest (Suburban Prairie Homemaker)
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 09 2014 : 12:16:20 PM
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Okay - I am just crazy excited about this new way to use my FoodSaver and just have to share:
One of my favorite things to do is to use the canning jar adapter and vaccuum-seal my jars filled with extra flour, sugar, oats, cookies, craisins, nuts, home-dehydrated foods... you get the idea. But one thing that always drove me nuts was not being able to re-use glass jars and lids from items I'd buy from the grocery store, such as jellies, salsas, pickles, etc. Those jars can be recycled on garbage day, of course, or used for things that don't require vaccuum-sealing; but it seemed such a shame that I couldn't use such a great jar for vaccuum-sealing my dry foodstuffs for longer term storage!
WELL, while on my recent R&R hiatus, I found that we CAN re-use ANY glass jar from grocery shelves with our FoodSavers as long as it has a pop-top lid (for lack of a better description)! I am talking about any of those twist-off jar lids that have those little bubble tops that when sealed, that make that woosh sound when we open them and the top pops up (again, jelly jars, salsa jars, pickle jars, etc.). All you need to do is purchase a set of FoodSaver Canisters (bought mine second-hand on ebay, good as new!) to use with your adapter hose (and, if you don't have an adapter hose, you'll want to pick on of those up as well if it doesn't come with your canisters or machine).
You simply fill your clean, dry sterilized jar with your dry good of choice, and twist on its original clean, dry sterilized cap. Next, you put the filled jar into the FoodSaver canister size that best fits the jar. (This is necessary because the vaccuum-sealer will work hard to remove all air out of both containers before stopping the cycle - you don't want to have so much air in the canister around your filled jar that you burn out your FoodSaver!) Put the FoodSaver canister lid on the FoodSaver canister, attach the adapter hose to the FoodSaver canister lid and your FoodSaver port, then hit the vaccuum/seal button. When the machine stops, you gently push down the release button on the canister to release the internal suction and remove the lid. You'll hear a "pop" sound on the filled jar inside - it is now sealed!!!! SEALED!!! Take the jar out. Feel the lid - the should be flat rather than bulging, similar to how your canning lids are when they seal after water bath or pressure canning. Twist it to test the seal, and you'll hear the suction sound and pop that you originally felt when you opened it when it contained the original contents! It works! It really works! Once you've gotten a feel for it, you can then just repeat the entire process and store the sealed jar away in your pantry. You won't have to test any jars thereafter because you'll know what to expect. Amazing, isn't it? I have started using these recycled jars and lids for my dry goods now, and am saving more of my Ball and Kerr canning jars exclusively for my water bath and pressure canning! I'm thrilled!
And the neatest thing is, this can also be done with your regular Ball or Kerr jar canning lids on your canning jars, too - you don't even really need to purchase the Ball jar adapter to seal them! As long as your jar fits in your canister, just repeat this process and you are good to go! SUPER COOL!
NOW...You might be thinking how in the world am I going to get that pickle smell or spaghetti sauce smell or hot pepper smell or WHATEVER smell out of the jar lid? It stinks! I don't want my dry goods to smell like tomato (or whatever)! WELL... I think I've resolved that problem for you! I have been taking my "stinky" used lids, washing and drying them thoroughly, and then placing them in an old plastic jar. I pour in some food grade diatomaceous earth, making sure I cover the inside of the lid, then let it sit over night. Usually the smell will completely come out of the lid after a day or two. I have had a few lids that had stubborn smells, but I just left them in a few days longer until it completely went away. When I remove them, I simply wash them by hand and then pop them into the dishwasher just for extra measure. Works like a charm every time!
I just love my FoodSaver... It's one of my favorite can't-do-without kitchen gadgets! And now being able to recycle used glass jars and lids from store bought items makes it an even greater money-saving, practical tool! YES!!!
Okay - and I learned one other tip that you might like to know. If you're using your Ball jar adapter to seal your lids to the jars with dry goods, and you've checked your jar rim and the seal on the lid to be sure there are no cracks or any food particles to inhibit sealing, but you're STILL having trouble getting it to seal, you're going to LOVE this! All you have to do is put your lid on the jar, then put another lid of the same size upside down on the top of the lid on the jar (so that the rubber on the top lid is facing up), and THEN put your lid sealer adapter on top. Hit the vaccuum/seal button and when the machine stops, remove your adapter and the lid on the jar should've sealed up tight. I couldn't believe it, but it really works! I have never had a problem vaccuum-sealing my wide mouth jars, but sometimes I've had to make several attempts with the regular mouth jars before they would work. I would usually resort to running the lid under hot water to soften the rubber a little bit and then thoroughly drying it before dry canning, but I always worried about there being some hidden moisture on the lid that would eventually ruin the contents. It never happened, thankfully, but I am just thrilled with this new way of fixing the problem because unseen moisture is no longer an issue!
Did I mention I love my FoodSaver? I LOVE my FoodSaver! Really, really, REALLY do! Don't you love yours, too?! :)
'Hope this gives you some more ways to expand your FoodSaver benefits! Enjoy!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on May 09 2014 2:26:04 PM |
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Madinet85
True Blue Farmgirl
94 Posts
Elizabeth
Indiana
USA
94 Posts |
Posted - May 17 2014 : 08:13:06 AM
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I don't have the big Foodsaver but I have the handheld one and use it to vacuum seal mason jars with the attachments. I love it and love being able to seal up food I make in the dehydrator.
Farmgirl Sister #4915 |
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Farm Kitchen: Getting More Use Out Of Your FoodSaver? |
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Getting More Use Out Of Your FoodSaver?
