Is this OT-? Seeking info on "Seal-a-Meal" Usage
 

Hey all-

Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?

They seem really popular on eBay, at least--

We want to use one to economize and for sending snacks to our kid in
college (about 2-3 days in transit).

Besides stuff like brownies and cookies, would it be possible to seal up
sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).

thanks,

Buzzy

In article >, BuZzY
> wrote:

> Hey all-
>
> Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?

I wouldn't be without mine.
>
> They seem really popular on eBay, at least--
>
> We want to use one to economize and for sending snacks to our kid in
> college (about 2-3 days in transit).

> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies,

I'd use a tin. I see no advantage to using a seal-a-meal. A Tilia
(brand name) Food Saver will produce a vacuum seal -- I suppose that
would help aid freshness for brownies or cookies -- if you didn't smash
them all to hell in the vacuum sealing process.

> would it be possible to seal up
> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).

Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably won't
spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right, though, it
would be properly canned and processed and sent that way -- no spoilage.
A vacuum seal via a Tilia is not a substitute for proper heat processing.

> thanks,
>
> Buzzy
>
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 9-18-04; Sushi Story
"Peace will come when the power of love overcomes the love of power."
-Jimi Hendrix, and Lt. Joe Corcoran, Retired; St. Paul PD, Homicide Divn.

In article >, BuZzY
> wrote:

> Hey all-
>
> Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?

I wouldn't be without mine.
>
> They seem really popular on eBay, at least--
>
> We want to use one to economize and for sending snacks to our kid in
> college (about 2-3 days in transit).

> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies,

I'd use a tin. I see no advantage to using a seal-a-meal. A Tilia
(brand name) Food Saver will produce a vacuum seal -- I suppose that
would help aid freshness for brownies or cookies -- if you didn't smash
them all to hell in the vacuum sealing process.

> would it be possible to seal up
> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).

Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably won't
spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right, though, it
would be properly canned and processed and sent that way -- no spoilage.
A vacuum seal via a Tilia is not a substitute for proper heat processing.

> thanks,
>
> Buzzy
>
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 9-18-04; Sushi Story
"Peace will come when the power of love overcomes the love of power."
-Jimi Hendrix, and Lt. Joe Corcoran, Retired; St. Paul PD, Homicide Divn.

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
>
>> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies,
>
> I'd use a tin. I see no advantage to using a seal-a-meal. A Tilia
> (brand name) Food Saver will produce a vacuum seal -- I suppose that
> would help aid freshness for brownies or cookies -- if you didn't smash
> them all to hell in the vacuum sealing process.

Agree with the tin. The other way is to put the stuff in a canning jar and
use the Foodsaver. It will remove the oxygen but not crush the product as
it would in a bag.


>
>> would it be possible to seal up
>> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
>> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).
>
> Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably won't
> spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right, though, it
> would be properly canned and processed and sent that way -- no spoilage.
> A vacuum seal via a Tilia is not a substitute for proper heat processing.

I don't know if the acids in those sauces would help much if it is not
refrigerated. Vacuum sealing is a good way to extend properly stored foods,
but not a substitute for proper processing. In household use, the big
advantage of vacuum sealing is extending the storage life by 3 or 4 times
and avoiding freezer burn.

If you buy a big hunk of cheese, the factory package will have a "use by"
date that is many months away. Once opened, it will spoil, dry out, or get
moldy in a couple of weeks. Vacuum sealing greatly increases that time
because it reduces oxygen. You can put half that hunk of cheese away in a
vacuum sealed package to use a couple of months later.

Canning, however, destroys the things that make food go bad. That jar of
Prego that would get molding in two weeks will last two months if re-sealed
with vacuum. but not as long as the unopened jar from the factory.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
>
>> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies,
>
> I'd use a tin. I see no advantage to using a seal-a-meal. A Tilia
> (brand name) Food Saver will produce a vacuum seal -- I suppose that
> would help aid freshness for brownies or cookies -- if you didn't smash
> them all to hell in the vacuum sealing process.

Agree with the tin. The other way is to put the stuff in a canning jar and
use the Foodsaver. It will remove the oxygen but not crush the product as
it would in a bag.


>
>> would it be possible to seal up
>> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
>> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).
>
> Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably won't
> spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right, though, it
> would be properly canned and processed and sent that way -- no spoilage.
> A vacuum seal via a Tilia is not a substitute for proper heat processing.

I don't know if the acids in those sauces would help much if it is not
refrigerated. Vacuum sealing is a good way to extend properly stored foods,
but not a substitute for proper processing. In household use, the big
advantage of vacuum sealing is extending the storage life by 3 or 4 times
and avoiding freezer burn.

If you buy a big hunk of cheese, the factory package will have a "use by"
date that is many months away. Once opened, it will spoil, dry out, or get
moldy in a couple of weeks. Vacuum sealing greatly increases that time
because it reduces oxygen. You can put half that hunk of cheese away in a
vacuum sealed package to use a couple of months later.

Canning, however, destroys the things that make food go bad. That jar of
Prego that would get molding in two weeks will last two months if re-sealed
with vacuum. but not as long as the unopened jar from the factory.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome

In article >,
says...
> Hey all-
>
> Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?
>
> They seem really popular on eBay, at least--
>
> We want to use one to economize and for sending snacks to our kid in
> college (about 2-3 days in transit).
>
> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies, would it be possible to seal up
> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).
>
> thanks,
>
> Buzzy
>
They're probably OK for the money. "Foodsaver" is a higher-end brand
that will probably last longer and (at least in my experience) do a
better job, but you'll pay more. It just depends on what your needs and
expectations are.

You can seal up many, many things. Basically, if you can get a bag
around it you can seal it and possibly help whatever it is last longer
in storage. I do meats (both raw and cooked) soups, stews, fresh-
roasted coffees, grains, herbs, spices, grains and grain meals, dried
beans, powdered milk, etc., etc.

Keep in mind with baked goods that if you seal them in a bag, they may
get crushed or crunched as the vacuum bag draws in around them. Some of
the vacuum sealers also handle mason jars and special vacuum containers,
which won't have this problem.

Also, keep in mind that things that need refrigeration still need
refrigeration or freezing after they're vac-packed. It's not a
preservation process, other than removing air from the package.

Bob

In article >,
says...
> Hey all-
>
> Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?
>
> They seem really popular on eBay, at least--
>
> We want to use one to economize and for sending snacks to our kid in
> college (about 2-3 days in transit).
>
> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies, would it be possible to seal up
> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).
>
> thanks,
>
> Buzzy
>
They're probably OK for the money. "Foodsaver" is a higher-end brand
that will probably last longer and (at least in my experience) do a
better job, but you'll pay more. It just depends on what your needs and
expectations are.

You can seal up many, many things. Basically, if you can get a bag
around it you can seal it and possibly help whatever it is last longer
in storage. I do meats (both raw and cooked) soups, stews, fresh-
roasted coffees, grains, herbs, spices, grains and grain meals, dried
beans, powdered milk, etc., etc.

Keep in mind with baked goods that if you seal them in a bag, they may
get crushed or crunched as the vacuum bag draws in around them. Some of
the vacuum sealers also handle mason jars and special vacuum containers,
which won't have this problem.

Also, keep in mind that things that need refrigeration still need
refrigeration or freezing after they're vac-packed. It's not a
preservation process, other than removing air from the package.

Bob

In article >,
says...
> Hey all-
>
> Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?
>
> They seem really popular on eBay, at least--
>
> We want to use one to economize and for sending snacks to our kid in
> college (about 2-3 days in transit).
>
> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies, would it be possible to seal up
> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).
>
> thanks,
>
> Buzzy
>
They're probably OK for the money. "Foodsaver" is a higher-end brand
that will probably last longer and (at least in my experience) do a
better job, but you'll pay more. It just depends on what your needs and
expectations are.

You can seal up many, many things. Basically, if you can get a bag
around it you can seal it and possibly help whatever it is last longer
in storage. I do meats (both raw and cooked) soups, stews, fresh-
roasted coffees, grains, herbs, spices, grains and grain meals, dried
beans, powdered milk, etc., etc.

Keep in mind with baked goods that if you seal them in a bag, they may
get crushed or crunched as the vacuum bag draws in around them. Some of
the vacuum sealers also handle mason jars and special vacuum containers,
which won't have this problem.

Also, keep in mind that things that need refrigeration still need
refrigeration or freezing after they're vac-packed. It's not a
preservation process, other than removing air from the package.

Bob

In article >,
says...
> Hey all-
>
> Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?
>
> They seem really popular on eBay, at least--
>
> We want to use one to economize and for sending snacks to our kid in
> college (about 2-3 days in transit).
>
> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies, would it be possible to seal up
> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).
>
> thanks,
>
> Buzzy
>
They're probably OK for the money. "Foodsaver" is a higher-end brand
that will probably last longer and (at least in my experience) do a
better job, but you'll pay more. It just depends on what your needs and
expectations are.

You can seal up many, many things. Basically, if you can get a bag
around it you can seal it and possibly help whatever it is last longer
in storage. I do meats (both raw and cooked) soups, stews, fresh-
roasted coffees, grains, herbs, spices, grains and grain meals, dried
beans, powdered milk, etc., etc.

Keep in mind with baked goods that if you seal them in a bag, they may
get crushed or crunched as the vacuum bag draws in around them. Some of
the vacuum sealers also handle mason jars and special vacuum containers,
which won't have this problem.

Also, keep in mind that things that need refrigeration still need
refrigeration or freezing after they're vac-packed. It's not a
preservation process, other than removing air from the package.

Bob

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> is not a substitute for proper heat processing.

Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
that be completely safe?

[Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> is not a substitute for proper heat processing.

Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
that be completely safe?

[Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> is not a substitute for proper heat processing.

Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
that be completely safe?

[Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]

Mark Thorson wrote:
>
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled.

Same with the Tilia.

nancy

Mark Thorson wrote:
>
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled.

Same with the Tilia.

nancy

Mark Thorson wrote:
>
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled.

Same with the Tilia.

nancy

In article >, Mark Thorson
> wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> that be completely safe?
>
> [Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]

I don't know. It's a novel idea, though. It probably wouldn't do the
brownies and cookies much good.
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 9-18-04; Sushi Story
"Peace will come when the power of love overcomes the love of power."
-Jimi Hendrix, and Lt. Joe Corcoran, Retired; St. Paul PD, Homicide Divn.

In article >, Mark Thorson
> wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> that be completely safe?
>
> [Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]

I don't know. It's a novel idea, though. It probably wouldn't do the
brownies and cookies much good.
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 9-18-04; Sushi Story
"Peace will come when the power of love overcomes the love of power."
-Jimi Hendrix, and Lt. Joe Corcoran, Retired; St. Paul PD, Homicide Divn.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article >, Mark Thorson
> > wrote:
>
> > Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> > you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> > and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> > temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> > that be completely safe?
>
> I don't know. It's a novel idea, though. It probably wouldn't
> do the brownies and cookies much good.

Those don't need sterile packaging. The OP also
asked about "Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo",
which I suppose may present a spoilage concern,
if not sterilized.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article >, Mark Thorson
> > wrote:
>
> > Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> > you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> > and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> > temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> > that be completely safe?
>
> I don't know. It's a novel idea, though. It probably wouldn't
> do the brownies and cookies much good.

Those don't need sterile packaging. The OP also
asked about "Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo",
which I suppose may present a spoilage concern,
if not sterilized.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article >, Mark Thorson
> > wrote:
>
> > Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> > you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> > and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> > temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> > that be completely safe?
>
> I don't know. It's a novel idea, though. It probably wouldn't
> do the brownies and cookies much good.

Those don't need sterile packaging. The OP also
asked about "Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo",
which I suppose may present a spoilage concern,
if not sterilized.

In article >, says...
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> that be completely safe?
>
> [Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]
>
Thanks for the cross-posting warning. I always forget to look...

Anyway, my guess is that if you did the pressure cooking before the bags
are sealed, your suggestion *could* be valid.

But:
- It's not clear that the plastic bags could survive the elevated
temperatures of a canning pressure cooker.
- The vacuum sealing equipment would have to be as sterile as a Mason
jar lid would be after the pressure cooking, and able to handle the
higher temps as well.
- The plastic vacuum bags would have to be as impermeable as a glass jar
over time.

In a nutshell, we probably would have seen our canned (and "jarred")
goods delivered in plastic bags long ago, if that were a practical
process for these items.

Bob

In article >, says...
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> that be completely safe?
>
> [Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]
>
Thanks for the cross-posting warning. I always forget to look...

Anyway, my guess is that if you did the pressure cooking before the bags
are sealed, your suggestion *could* be valid.

But:
- It's not clear that the plastic bags could survive the elevated
temperatures of a canning pressure cooker.
- The vacuum sealing equipment would have to be as sterile as a Mason
jar lid would be after the pressure cooking, and able to handle the
higher temps as well.
- The plastic vacuum bags would have to be as impermeable as a glass jar
over time.

In a nutshell, we probably would have seen our canned (and "jarred")
goods delivered in plastic bags long ago, if that were a practical
process for these items.

Bob

On 2004-09-18, BuZzY > wrote:
> Hey all-
>
> Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?

Worked mine to death, already. Got so much frozen chicken and fish in the
freezer I barely have room for ice cubes.

> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies, would it be possible to seal up
> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).

Some models like the 1075 have a button that lets you do an interupted
vacuum cycle so you don't pump out so much air you crush things like
breadstuffs, which will happen if pumped to full vacuum. You also can't
vacuum pack liquids. You have to freeze the liquid and then vac-pac it.

Anyway, you should have taught your daughter how to make that stuff herself.
She can't even make pico de gallo? Can she breath on her own?

nb

On 2004-09-18, BuZzY > wrote:
> Hey all-
>
> Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?

Worked mine to death, already. Got so much frozen chicken and fish in the
freezer I barely have room for ice cubes.

> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies, would it be possible to seal up
> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).

Some models like the 1075 have a button that lets you do an interupted
vacuum cycle so you don't pump out so much air you crush things like
breadstuffs, which will happen if pumped to full vacuum. You also can't
vacuum pack liquids. You have to freeze the liquid and then vac-pac it.

Anyway, you should have taught your daughter how to make that stuff herself.
She can't even make pico de gallo? Can she breath on her own?

nb

On 2004-09-18, BuZzY > wrote:
> Hey all-
>
> Anyone here used / liked / not liked the Seal-a-meal device-?

Worked mine to death, already. Got so much frozen chicken and fish in the
freezer I barely have room for ice cubes.

> Besides stuff like brownies and cookies, would it be possible to seal up
> sauces and other perishables-? (Daughter is homesick for Mom's homemade
> Texas picante sauce and pico de gallo).

Some models like the 1075 have a button that lets you do an interupted
vacuum cycle so you don't pump out so much air you crush things like
breadstuffs, which will happen if pumped to full vacuum. You also can't
vacuum pack liquids. You have to freeze the liquid and then vac-pac it.

Anyway, you should have taught your daughter how to make that stuff herself.
She can't even make pico de gallo? Can she breath on her own?

nb

"Mark Thorson" wrote:
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> that be completely safe?

No. Jars being pressure canned or water bath canned are not sealed *before*
processing. Air leaves jars during processing, and that vacuum creates the
seal when processing is over. If you try to process sealed bags, all you'll
get is explosions.


> [Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]

Much obliged.

"Mark Thorson" wrote:
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> that be completely safe?

No. Jars being pressure canned or water bath canned are not sealed *before*
processing. Air leaves jars during processing, and that vacuum creates the
seal when processing is over. If you try to process sealed bags, all you'll
get is explosions.


> [Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]

Much obliged.

"Mark Thorson" wrote:
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Sure, inasmuch as it could work as a container. They probably
> > won't spoil in that length of time in transit. Doing it right,
> > though, it would be properly canned and processed and
> > sent that way -- no spoilage. A vacuum seal via a Tilia
> > is not a substitute for proper heat processing.
>
> Yeah, but the Seal-A-Meal bags can be boiled. What if
> you sealed the food in bags, then subjected them to heat
> and pressure in a pressure cooker, the same time and
> temperature used for canning in Mason jars. Wouldn't
> that be completely safe?

No. Jars being pressure canned or water bath canned are not sealed *before*
processing. Air leaves jars during processing, and that vacuum creates the
seal when processing is over. If you try to process sealed bags, all you'll
get is explosions.


> [Note that I added rec.food.preserving to the newsgroups.]

Much obliged.

pennyaline wrote:

> If you try to process sealed bags, all you'll
> get is explosions.

That's why you use a pressure cooker.

Ever wonder how food sealed in metal cans is
sterilized without exploding? They do it in large
pressure cookers (called "retorts").

pennyaline wrote:

> If you try to process sealed bags, all you'll
> get is explosions.

That's why you use a pressure cooker.

Ever wonder how food sealed in metal cans is
sterilized without exploding? They do it in large
pressure cookers (called "retorts").

pennyaline wrote:

> If you try to process sealed bags, all you'll
> get is explosions.

That's why you use a pressure cooker.

Ever wonder how food sealed in metal cans is
sterilized without exploding? They do it in large
pressure cookers (called "retorts").

In article >, says...
> pennyaline wrote:
>
> > If you try to process sealed bags, all you'll
> > get is explosions.
>
> That's why you use a pressure cooker.
>
> Ever wonder how food sealed in metal cans is
> sterilized without exploding? They do it in large
> pressure cookers (called "retorts").
>
And it's before they're sealed, by the way.

In article >, says...
> pennyaline wrote:
>
> > If you try to process sealed bags, all you'll
> > get is explosions.
>
> That's why you use a pressure cooker.
>
> Ever wonder how food sealed in metal cans is
> sterilized without exploding? They do it in large
> pressure cookers (called "retorts").
>
And it's before they're sealed, by the way.

In article >, says...
> pennyaline wrote:
>
> > If you try to process sealed bags, all you'll
> > get is explosions.
>
> That's why you use a pressure cooker.
>
> Ever wonder how food sealed in metal cans is
> sterilized without exploding? They do it in large
> pressure cookers (called "retorts").
>
And it's before they're sealed, by the way.

> Anyway, you should have taught your daughter how to make that stuff herself.
> She can't even make pico de gallo? Can she breath on her own?
>
> nb

Fair question-! Actually, we're thrilled to learn she's doing her own
laundry-! Preparing food is a little problematic--dorm regulations,
etc.--but, you know, she could probably manage it.

I enjoyed the discussions about the Seal-a-meal and canning, etc.
Occasionally I see magazine ads for really expensive, select filet
mignons, etc., that appear to be vacuum wrapped and packed in
baskets--they seem to be unrefrigerated--how is this possible-? Or am i
just wrong about this-?

thanks all--buzy

> Anyway, you should have taught your daughter how to make that stuff herself.
> She can't even make pico de gallo? Can she breath on her own?
>
> nb

Fair question-! Actually, we're thrilled to learn she's doing her own
laundry-! Preparing food is a little problematic--dorm regulations,
etc.--but, you know, she could probably manage it.

I enjoyed the discussions about the Seal-a-meal and canning, etc.
Occasionally I see magazine ads for really expensive, select filet
mignons, etc., that appear to be vacuum wrapped and packed in
baskets--they seem to be unrefrigerated--how is this possible-? Or am i
just wrong about this-?

thanks all--buzy

"BuZzY" > wrote in message


> Occasionally I see magazine ads for really expensive, select filet
> mignons, etc., that appear to be vacuum wrapped and packed in
> baskets--they seem to be unrefrigerated--how is this possible-? Or am i
> just wrong about this-?

The only way to store meats with no refrigeration is to cure them. Salami,
jerky, Spam, can be done. Steaks? they may not be in the fridge for the
photo, but they will be in dry ice if they are mailorder.

"BuZzY" > wrote in message


> Occasionally I see magazine ads for really expensive, select filet
> mignons, etc., that appear to be vacuum wrapped and packed in
> baskets--they seem to be unrefrigerated--how is this possible-? Or am i
> just wrong about this-?

The only way to store meats with no refrigeration is to cure them. Salami,
jerky, Spam, can be done. Steaks? they may not be in the fridge for the
photo, but they will be in dry ice if they are mailorder.

In article >, BuZzY
> wrote:
> I enjoyed the discussions about the Seal-a-meal and canning, etc.
> Occasionally I see magazine ads for really expensive, select filet
> mignons, etc., that appear to be vacuum wrapped and packed in
> baskets--they seem to be unrefrigerated--how is this possible-? Or am i
> just wrong about this-?

I think you're wrong.
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 9-18-04; Sushi Story
"Peace will come when the power of love overcomes the love of power."
-Jimi Hendrix, and Lt. Joe Corcoran, Retired; St. Paul PD, Homicide Divn.

In article >, BuZzY
> wrote:
> I enjoyed the discussions about the Seal-a-meal and canning, etc.
> Occasionally I see magazine ads for really expensive, select filet
> mignons, etc., that appear to be vacuum wrapped and packed in
> baskets--they seem to be unrefrigerated--how is this possible-? Or am i
> just wrong about this-?

I think you're wrong.
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 9-18-04; Sushi Story
"Peace will come when the power of love overcomes the love of power."
-Jimi Hendrix, and Lt. Joe Corcoran, Retired; St. Paul PD, Homicide Divn.