Table of Contents
What Is Vacuum Packaging?
Vacuum packaging is a method of packaging food products in which air is removed from the package before sealing it, in order to increase the shelf life of the food. The process of vacuum packaging can extend the shelf life of food products by removing the oxygen that microorganisms, bacteria, and enzymes need to survive.
How Vacuum Packaging Works:
The vacuum packaging process works by removing the air from the package before sealing it. This can be done manually using a handheld vacuum pump or automatically using a vacuum packaging machine. The food product is placed in a specially designed bag or container, and the air is removed using a vacuum pump or machine. Once the air has been removed, the bag or container is sealed, creating an airtight environment. The lack of oxygen in the package slows down the growth of microorganisms and enzymes, which can cause food to spoil.
Materials Used For Vacuum Packaging:
There are many materials that can be used for vacuum packaging, including plastic, glass, and paper. The most common materials used for vacuum packaging are multi-layer plastics such as polyamide and polyethylene. These materials are strong, flexible, and provide a good barrier to oxygen and other gases. Some other materials like paper, parchment paper, greaseproof paper, sulfite paper, Kraft paper can be used as well depending on the type of food and storage conditions.
Benefits Of Vacuum Packaging:
Vacuum packaging has several benefits, including increased shelf life, improved food safety, and reduced food waste. Vacuum packaging can extend the shelf life of food products by up to five times longer than non-vacuum packed products. This can be especially beneficial for perishable foods such as meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, vacuum packaging can help to prevent food contamination by removing oxygen and other gases that can support the growth of microorganisms. Vacuum packaging also reduces food waste by keeping food fresh for longer periods of time.
Types Of Vacuum Sealers:
There are two main types of vacuum sealers: external bag machines and vacuum chamber machines.
External bag machines use a bag and a heat sealer to remove the air and seal the bag. These machines are less expensive and easy to move, but have a higher cost for bags and do not allow for gas flushes.
Vacuum chamber machines, on the other hand, use a chamber to remove the air and seal the bag. These machines are more expensive but are better suited for sealing liquid and wet foods. Additionally, these machine can be used for gas flush that is injecting an inert gas like Nitrogen or Carbon dioxide to the package before sealing it to increase the shelf life of food products.
When choosing a vacuum sealer, it is important to consider the types of food products that will be packaged, the volume of food that will be packaged, and the budget for the equipment. For example, a small restaurant or home cook may only need a small, handheld vacuum sealer, while a large commercial kitchen may require a more powerful, industrial-grade vacuum chamber machine.
Final Note
Vacuum packaging is a method that can help protect and preserve food products by removing oxygen, which can extend the shelf life of food products, improve food safety, and reduce food waste. Choosing the right type of vacuum sealer and packaging material is important for achieving the desired result, and it is also important to consider the types of food products that will be packaged, the volume of food that will be packaged and the budget for the equipment. Data and research also show that vacuum packaging can extend the shelf life of different types of food products such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, cheese, and many others.