Vacuum Sealing for freezing, cooking and refrigeration

[timfulford]

I have been an avid user of a simple vacuum sealer for many years, I have even developed a way of using a balloon pump to enable me to extract the air from standard bags prior to tape sealing them. However I have just treated myself to a 'posh' seal-a-meal machine which is excellent for standard sealing but can also be used for creating your own ready meal type boil/heat in the bag but with the advantage of home cooked food!
Does anyone else have any hints, tips or experience of this type of equipment?  Love to hear from anyone about this.

[cookie1]

We have had a vacuum sealer for several years and wouldn't be without it. I use it to seal meat when I buy in bulk. (chicken too) I also use it to vacuum seal casseroles, cakes, etc. I freeze the food first and then when it is frozen I remove it from it's container and vacuum seal it.

[achookwoman]

Yes , I have one also.  Love it.  Find it is a useful too to use with TMX meals.  Have used it mostly with soups.  Hang the liquid cooked soup over the edge of the bench to seal it.  I Have posted pictures of how to do this in a previous discussion on this topic.   I also Vac pack Xmas puds  They can be reheated in the microwave in the pack.

[maddy]

Fantastic for keeping 1/2 avacado's.
Leave the stone in and seal......will last for over a week without turning brown.
I also buy bigger pieces of cheese and vacuum it once opened.
Also great for  marinades for intense flavour.  

[timfulford]

Excellent uses from everyone!  I have been smoking cheeses recently and then I vac pack them to mature, works a treat. I have also found that vac packing marinades increases the flavour in the product as others have found.
Curries, casseroles, stews, bulk buys all sealed.  I sealed a have white cabbage the other week and I am seeing how long it will last, I will keep you posted.
Currently looking for bulk buying of the bags/tubes because the cost of small packs is silly.

[maddy]

Currently looking for bulk buying of the bags/tubes because the cost of small packs is silly.

Aren't they just!  I'm sure they will be something online.
I'm not sure where your located mindmapper, but I have purchased the Aldi brand of vacuum bags for a fraction of the cost, compared to the machine's bags.  They work just as well.

[Amanda]

My butcher seasons and vacuum packs pork belly, which I then slow cook in the bag in the slow-cooker for 4-5 hrs, remove from the bag, dry and pat dry the skin then blast at 220C for 30-40 mins in the oven to crisp up the crackling.
Almost like sous vide and a fab meal.
I've seen bulk bags for sale on Amazon.

[judydawn]

Sounds like a great idea Amanda, where is your butcher?  I've bought Pork belly from the market but not vacuum packed. Found a great way to reheat leftover pork crackling from the other day - Chookie gave me a couple of those toaster bags and I just popped the rind into one, put it in the toaster and hey presto, crisp pork crackling that DH loves without having to heat the oven.

[Amanda]

My butcher is here in Balhannah, Judy. A bit of a hike for you, I'm afraid.

[JulieO]

If you are in Australia, the bags from here are quite reasonable.  I bought some quite a while ago which I'm still going through.

http://thepackagingcentre.com.au/

[Nay-nay]

Almost like sous vide and a fab meal.

sous vide - just what I was about to say. It is a bit of a hit since Master Chef. 

[Amanda]

I have to own up and say that I don't watch Masterchef.  
Also, I think the whole sous vide thing was a bit of a fad, but for pork belly - which is best if slow cooked - this is a great way to get a special meal on the table in very short time.  You can put it on during the day and then just finish it up in the evening.  I would imagine most butchers would do it if requested.  

Almost like sous vide and a fab meal.

sous vide - just what I was about to say. It is a bit of a hit since Master Chef.  

[Yvette]

What brand of vacuum sealers does everyone have?

[achookwoman]

Amanda, glad someone else doesn't watch Master Chef.  I watched the first episode and didn't like the way they treated the contestants.

[Amanda]

It just seems like  a game show with food, monstrous ego's and gratuitous product placement. I can't be bothered, really.

Amanda, glad someone else doesn't watch Master Chef.  I watched the first episode and didn't like the way they treated the contestants.