The wonderful vac/pac little thingie w/bags

carmen_grower_2007

14 years ago

I've had the Foodsaver for years and like it and use the bags for things like cheeses but don't use it much because the bags are expensive and can't be re-used usually because of the design. BUT THEN:

I got this great little rechargeable sucker/thingie with baggies that can easily be opened, refilled and vacuumed. What a great thing. It is like the 'space bags' but you don't have to use a vacuum cleaner! This cute little thing just sits on your counter so when you open your luncheon meats or cheeses, you take what you need and then just re-seal.

We did an experiment with a big bunch of bananas (that you get for $1.00 a bunch- not a pound, at Sams Club) The price is so cheap that we always bought a bunch even though there are just two of us and we never use them all before they get mushy. I split the bunch in half and put half in a gallon vac baggie. Well, a week later, the half that we didn't finish is black and the half on the counter in the vac-bag is just now turning from green to yellow. YOWZA!!!! Do people really say yowsa anymore????

I have other going-experiments with fresh tomatoes and baby carrots. Will let you know later how this all turns out. For now anyway, I think this is a great little machine.

I'm wondering if fresh asparagus can be vac/packed without blanching with this process? I'll find out in the spring.

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Comments (6)

mustangs81
14 years ago
Carmen, Are you talking about this...

I got two about three months ago - one to try the other for a Christmas present. I have to say that I like my old hand held better as it's more functional because I can use it on the new FoodSaver bags and canisters, as well as Mason jars.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fresh Saver
sheesh
14 years ago
You folks are going to think this is entirely too gross, but after doing it for many years, I saw Alton Brown (I think)sugest it:

Use a drinking straw to suck out the air from an ordinary zip lock or slider bag. Simply insert the straw, seal the bag to the straw, suck and simultaneously remove the straw while finishing the seal. Works like a charm every time and doesn't cost a thing.

I've never experimented with fresh foods in the fridge, but it completely prevents freezer burn on meats and veggies. I don't know why I've never tried it on cheeses and veggies, but I will now. I'm a slow learner!
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mustangs81
14 years ago
Sherr, I do the straw thing for big bags of Costco frozen stuff.

Speaking of frozen food, too often there is so much unnecessary packaging that I repackage in FoodSaver bags so it won't take up so much room in the freezer. I just cut out the label and instructions from the box and stick it in the bag.
althetrainer
14 years ago
A straw in the bag... wow, never thought of it. So you suck the air out of the bag with raw meat inside? Not sure if I can get myself doing that though...
sheesh
14 years ago
Yeah, well, I said you'd think it was gross!

But, actually, it isn't at all. I should have been clear about that. The tip of the straw is barely inserted into the bag, and I don't let the straw come in contact with what's inside, either. Right, Mustangs?
carmen_grower_2007
Original Author
14 years ago
Mustangs yes, that is what I am talking about. The straw thing is awkward and doesn't ever completely vacuum out the air. Sorry -- good idea but my little thingie is much better although it does cost more than a straw.

The wonderful vac/pac little thingie w/bags

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mustangs81

sheesh

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The wonderful vac/pac little thingie w/bags

Comments (6)

mustangs81

sheesh

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mustangs81

althetrainer

sheesh

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