Mylar bags have emerged as a popular and effective food strorage solution. These versatile bags are designed to protect food from environmental factors that can lead to spoilage, making them an essential tool for long term food storage.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of using Mylar bags, the types of foods best suited for storage in these bags, tips for sealing them properly, and how long you can expect your food to stay fresh. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of why Mylar bags are a top choice for preserving your food products.
Let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of storing food in Mylar bags together!
Mylar bags are durable, flexible, and airtight storage bags made from a polyester film called BoPET (Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate). This material is known for its high tensile strength, chemical and dimensional stability, transparency, reflectivity, and gas and aroma barrier properties.
The construction of Mylar bags involves laminating layers of polyester with a thin layer of aluminum. This combination creates a robust barrier that prevents the entry of oxygen, moisture, and light, which are the primary factors that contribute to food spoilage. The aluminum layer reflects light and provides an additional layer of protection, while the polyester layers add strength and flexibility to the bag.
Developed in the 1950s by DuPont, Mylar was initially used for insulation, blueprints, kites, and solar filters. Over time, its use expanded to food storage due to its excellent barrier properties. Today, Mylar bags are widely used for storing food, important documents, medical supplies, seeds, and electronics
Food storage involves preserving surplus food for future use, ensuring its availability during times of scarcity or emergencies. This process uses various technologies and containers to keep food fresh and safe from spoilage. Mylar bags have become a popular choice for food storage due to their exceptional barrier properties and ability to extend the shelf life of various food items.
Let's explore the key benefits of using Mylar bags for food storage.
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Mylar bags are a popular choice for long-term food storage due to their exceptional barrier properties and the use of oxygen absorbers. Understanding how these elements work together can help you maximize the effectiveness of your food storage efforts.
Oxygen absorbers play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of Mylar bags for food storage. These small packets contain iron powder, which reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide, effectively removing oxygen from the sealed environment.
By eliminating oxygen, oxygen absorbers prevent the growth of aerobic bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms that can spoil food. This process also helps in preserving the taste, texture, and nutritional value of the food.
Mylar bags are excellent for storing a variety of dry and low-moisture foods, which helps in extending their shelf life significantly.
These foods, being low in oil and moisture, are less prone to spoilage, making them ideal candidates for Mylar bag storage.
Certain foods shouldn't be stored in Mylar bags due to their moisture content and perishability.
Here are four types of foods to avoid storing in Mylar bags:
Key Factors Leading to Unsuitability:
These factors make such foods inappropriate for Mylar bag storage, necessitating alternative storage methods.
PS: While Mylar bags are great for certain dry goods, for those foods unsuitable for Mylar packaging, such as high-moisture or fatty items, consider using FoodSaver bags.
For optimal food storage in Mylar bags, consider the ideal foods based on their recommended storage times.
It's important to note that foods with high oil or moisture content, such as nuts, chocolate, and crackers, have a shorter shelf life and should be rotated more often.
| Storage Time | Food Products |
|---|---|
| Less than half a year | Freshly Milled Whole Grain Flours, Ground Coffee, Herbs, Spices |
| Between half year and 1 year | Brown Rice, Nuts, Seeds, Natural Granola |
| Between 1 and 3 years | White Flour, Dried Fruit, Powdered Milk, Yeast |
| Between 3 and 5 years | White Rice, Pasta, Rolled Oats, Dry Beans |
| Between 5 and 10 years | White Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder |
| More than 10 years | Hard Grains (e.g., Wheat, Corn), Freeze-Dried Meats, Freeze-Dried Vegetables |
It's important to note that these storage times can vary based on factors like the initial quality of the food, the storage conditions, and the effectiveness of the sealing process.
Using Mylar bags for food storage is a straightforward process that can significantly extend the shelf life of your food. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the preparation, filling, sealing, labeling, and storing of Mylar bags to ensure your food remains fresh and safe for the long term.
Step 1. Preparation
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies to streamline the process and ensure you have everything you need at hand. This includes:
Step 2. Label the Target Mylar Bag
Before filling the bag, label it with the contents and the date of storage. This helps in easy identification and managing food rotation. Use a permanent marker for clear, long-lasting labels.
Step 3. Fill the Bag
When filling Mylar bags with dry food items, follow these tips to ensure optimal storage:
Step 4. Add Oxygen Absorbers According to the Bag’s Size
Oxygen absorbers are essential for removing oxygen from the Mylar bag, which prevents oxidation and growth of aerobic pathogens.
The amount of oxygen absorber needed depends on the size of the bag and the type of food. Generally, use 300-500cc for a gallon bag.
Step 5. Heat-Seal the Mylar Bag
To seal the bag, you can use a standard clothes iron or a flat iron for hair.
Place a piece of cardboard or wood under the bag's opening, and run the hot iron over the top edge to melt the Mylar together, creating an airtight seal.
Ensure the seal is complete without any gaps.
Step 6. Store Your Mylar Bags in a Cool Place:
After sealing, place the bags in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Basements, closets, or pantries are ideal. Avoid areas where temperatures fluctuate, as this can affect the food's shelf life.
By following these steps, you can effectively use Mylar bags to preserve a variety of dry goods for the long term, ensuring a stable and secure food supply.
If you want to effectively store your food using mylar bags, it's important to know how to properly seal them.
Here are some tips for sealing mylar bags for food storage:
The size of the oxygen absorbers needed depends on the volume of the Mylar bag and the type of food being stored.
For example, a 300-500 cc oxygen absorber is typically used for a one-gallon Mylar bag, while a 2000-3000 cc oxygen absorber is recommended for a five-gallon bag. It's better to use more absorbers than needed to ensure all oxygen is removed.
In a nutshell, vacuum sealing eliminates air from the bag and creates a tight seal. But adding oxygen absorbers to Mylar bags specifically targets oxygen removal, which is critical for preventing oxidation and extending shelf life.
The choice between the Mylar Bags & Vacuum Sealing depends on the type of food being stored and the desired outcome in terms of preservation. This comparison plays a vital role in understanding the unique advantages of Mylar bag packaging.
Mylar bags are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of food storage needs.
They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including flat pouches, stand-up pouches, gusseted pouches, and more.
Selecting the appropriate Mylar bag for your food items involves considering several key factors to ensure optimal preservation.
