Introduction
Being prepared for crises and unforeseen situations has become increasingly important. Power outages, natural disasters, or other disruptions can easily create problems when it comes to food availability. That's why it's smart to think long-term and store food that will last for many years. One of the best ways to do this is by using Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers. They help protect food from oxygen, moisture, and light - three major factors that can otherwise spoil food.
In this guide, we'll show you how you can easily use these tools to store food for a long time. We'll also compare how much longer your food will last compared to leaving it in its original packaging.
Why store food for a long time?
Long-term food storage is an important part of emergency preparedness. If a crisis were to occur, you don't want to have to worry about running out of food or stores not receiving supplies. With a good stock of dry goods, you can feel confident that you have enough nutrition to get you through the first few days or weeks of a crisis.
What are Mylar bags and why are they good?
Mylar bags are strong plastic bags that seal out air and moisture, protecting food very effectively. They are perfect for storing dry goods such as rice, pasta and dried beans. Thanks to the high quality of the material and the fact that the bags are completely airtight, they last
food stays fresh for many years.
What are oxygen absorbers and how do they work?
Oxygen absorbers are small bags that remove oxygen from the packaging. When the oxygen disappears, bacteria, insects and mold cannot grow, and the food is protected from oxidizing and going rancid. This means that it can last for years without going bad. With oxygen absorbers, you can multiply the shelf life of many foods.
Benefits of using Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers
- Long shelf life: Foods like rice, pasta, and dried beans can last 20–30 years when stored properly.
- Protects against pests: Because Mylar bags are very dense, insects cannot get through. Additionally, any pests will die if the oxygen is removed with oxygen absorbers.
- Preserves flavor and nutrition: By preventing oxidation, food retains both its flavor and nutritional value much longer than if stored in regular packaging.
How to do it: Step by step
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Choose the right foods: Rice, pasta, dried beans, oatmeal, flour, and dried vegetables are examples of foods that are perfect for long-term storage.
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Prepare the bags: Choose the right size Mylar bags depending on how much food you want to store. Bags come in several sizes, from small (1 deciliter) to large (30 liters).
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Use oxygen absorbers: Depending on the amount of food in the bag, choose the right size of oxygen absorber. A smaller bag may only need 100 cc, while a large one may need one or more 300 cc.
- Seal the bag: Once the bag is filled and you have added the oxygen absorbers, seal it with a straightener, bag sealer or iron.
- Label and store: Label the bags with the contents and date. Make sure they are stored in a cool, dark and dry place. A plastic box is good for extra protection.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Too few oxygen absorbers: Make sure you use the correct amount of oxygen absorbers to remove all oxygen from the bag.
- Poor storage: Store the bags in a cool place, by doing so you will extend the shelf life significantly.
- Poorly sealed bags: Make sure the seal is tight. If air can get in, the food will spoil much faster.