Frequently Asked Questions
Why Vacuum Package?
Exposure to air causes food to spoil faster creating freezer burn, mold, staleness, and rancidity. The SealSaver® vacuum system removes air and seals in flavor and quality. With a full line of SealSaver® canisters to expand your food storage options, you can now enjoy the benefits of a scientifically-proven method that keeps food fresh up to five times longer.
What does removing the air do?
The vacuum packaging process extends the life of foods by removing most of the air from the sealed container, thereby reducing oxidation which affects nutritional value, flavor and overall quality. Removing air can also inhibit growth of microorganisms that may cause problems under certain conditions.
Mold
- Easily identified by its fuzzy characteristic. Mold cannot grow in a low oxygen environment, therefore vacuum packaging can virtually eliminate it.
Yeast
- Results in fermentation, which can be identified by smell and taste. Yeast needs water, sugar and a moderate temperature to grow. It can also survive with or without air. Slowing the growth of yeast requires refrigeration, while freezing stops it completely.
Bacteria
- Results in an unpleasant odor, discoloration and/or soft or slimy texture. Under the right conditions, clostridium botulinum (the organism that causes Botulism) can grow without air and cannot be detected by smell or taste. Although it is extremely rare, it can be very dangerous.
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What are the benefits of vacuum packaging?
There are many benefits to vacuum packaging:- You save money — foods last longer so you throw away less.
- You can buy lower-priced bulk quantities and repackage at home into smaller portions exactly the size you want.
- Leftovers stay fresh in the freezer for several months.
- You save time — make fewer trips to the grocery store because food will last longer.
Cook several portions when you have time and vacuum package single servings in a SealSaver® vacuum canister. Marinate meat and fish in minutes instead of hours.
Enjoy your favorite foods all year, even when they are out of season.
Protect non-food items from corrosion and moisture-damage. Outdoor enthusiasts can use vacuum canisters to keep supplies clean and dry.
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What storage temperatures are safe?
To preserve foods safely, it is critical to maintain low temperatures. Significantly reduce the growth of microorganisms at temperatures of 40°F (4°C) or below. Freezing at 0°F (-17°C) does not kill microorganisms, but stops them from growing. For long-term storage, always freeze perishable foods that have been vacuum packaged.
It is important to note that vacuum packaging is not a substitute for canning and it cannot reverse the deterioration of foods. It can only slow down the changes in quality. It is difficult to predict how long foods will retain their top-quality flavor, appearance or texture because it depends on age and condition of the food on the day it was vacuum packaged.
IMPORTANT: Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for refrigeration or freezing. Any perishable foods that require refrigeration must still be refrigerated or frozen after vacuum packaging.
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How do I know when vacuum has been achieved?
When the vacuum indicator is pulled down a vacuum has been achieved. In a full canister this will be achieved in 5 to 8 pumps.
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Can SealSaver® Vacuum Canisters be washed?
Yes. Shown in the Cleaning Instructions, remove the bellows, vacuum indicator and valves, and then hand wash or place in the dishwasher.
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Are SealSaver® Vacuum Canisters dishwasher-safe?
Yes. The SealSaver® Vacuum Canisters are 100% dishwasher safe.
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Can SealSaver® Vacuum Canisters be put in the microwave?
Yes. But you must remove the lid first and cover the canister with a napkin or paper towel. You can also heat cooked foods, such as leftovers, in the SealSaver® canisters. Avoid microwaving foods with high oil content.
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Can SealSaver® Vacuum Canisters be put in the freezer?
Yes. The SealSaver® vacuum canisters are ideal for the freezer because they will keep all air and moisture out, preventing food from getting freezer burn and becoming dry and tasteless.
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Can frozen food be vacuum packaged?
Yes.
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Can foods be defrosted while still in the SealSaver® Vacuum Canister?
Yes. But, you MUST defrost all vacuum packaged perishable foods in the refrigerator. Never leave any perishable foods at room temperature while they are still vacuum packaged. Vacuum packaged perishable foods must be refrigerated or frozen. The food inside the canister is not sterile.
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Can cooked food be vacuum packaged?
Yes, cooked foods must be at least room temperature before vacuuming or you run the risk of bacterial growth.
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Will flour still get bugs in it after it is vacuum packed?
Insects and their larvae cannot survive in a low oxygen environment, such as that created by the SealSaver® system. The SealSaver® canisters are ideal for storing flour, cornstarch, sugar, cornmeal and cereal.
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Is there a SealSaver® Vacuum Canister that can package bread?
There is not a specific canister to vacuum pack bread, but you can use the SealSaver® 80 oz. canister. If the loaf of bread is too long, just take some of the slices and place them down inside the canister surrounding the rest of the loaf.
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Is there a SealSaver® Vacuum Canister for marinating food?
Yes. The SealSaver® vacuum canisters are the perfect item for marinating foods. Foods will marinate in minutes when vacuum packaged because the vacuum process opens the pores of the food and absorbs the marinade more quickly. All three canisters may be used for marinating food.
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Why does my vacuum packaged meat turn brown? Is it safe?
This is normal. When red meat is vacuum packaged, it tends to turn a darker shade of brown due to the lack of oxygen in the container. The contents are perfectly safe for eating.
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What is the warranty on SealSaver® vacuum food canisters?
All SealSaver® products have a unlimited 30-day money back guarantee.
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My SealSaver® Vacuum Canister won't vacuum, why?
If you have already followed the Cleaning Instructions, Assembly Instructions and User Instructions, please contact Customer Service for advice.
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I have been vacuum packing my coffee in a SealSaver® Vacuum Canister, but now it won't hold the seal. What can I do?
The oil in the coffee (powdered or beans) is being drawn up into the seal area. Place a coffee filter or napkin on top of the coffee before placing the lid on the canister. This will catch the oil and allow for a good seal every time.
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Can I vacuum pack in canisters other than the SealSaver® Vacuum Canisters?
No. Only SealSaver® Vacuum Canisters would be able to withstand the pressure of the vacuum that is created, and our canisters have a special seal inside of the lid to ensure a complete vacuum/seal. Some other vacuum containers might be strong enough but won't have the patented design to fit SealSaver® Vacuum Lids.
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Are the SealSaver® Vacuum Canisters recyclable?
Yes, the canisters (base and top) are recyclable under the "Other" category, which is recycle number 7. This recycle category has a provision for multi-layer items.
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Can I use the SealSaver® Vacuum Canisters to store non-food items?
Yes, canisters can be used to keep valuables dry when camping or boating, to keep items such as paints and clays from drying out, to keep nuts and bolts from rusting, etc.
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