Vacuum-packed gastro trays: how to use them?

What is a sous vide gastro tray?

A sous vide gastro pan is a piece of kitchen equipment used for food preparation and preservation in gastronomy. It is designed to be airtight, and allows low-temperature cooking under vacuum, resulting in better food preservation. To find out all you need to know about gastro trays, take a look at our dedicated article.

What is a vacuum gastro tray used for?

Food preservation and preparation

The sous vide gastro tray can be used to preserve foods such as fruit, vegetables, meats and even sauces. Vacuum preservation prevents oxidation and bacterial growth, keeping food fresh for longer. You can also use the sous vide gastro tray to prepare food before cooking. By adding a few herbs and spices, you'll create a delicious, flavorful blend.

Low-temperature cooking

With the sous vide gastro tray, you can cook food at low temperatures while preserving its natural flavor and texture. Foods cooked at low temperatures remain tender and succulent, while those cooked at high temperatures can become dry and tough. The low-temperature cooking process is much faster than conventional methods, which saves you time.

What equipment do I need to use a sous vide gastro tray?

The sous vide gastro tray is a very useful tool for food preservation. Its versatility enables food products to be preserved at the right temperature, thus optimizing their nutritional qualities. However, to take full advantage of this device, our advice is to have the appropriate equipment. The main equipment required for the use and maintenance of a sous vide gastro tray includes a vacuum machine, a suitable lid, and a valve. These elements guarantee a safe, practical and efficient system. The vacuum machine creates the vacuum required to prevent contamination of food products by external bacteria, while the appropriate lid maintains the vacuum inside the container.

Stainless steel lid for GN 1/1 vacuum container

In stock

Vacuum container lid GN 1/1

Stainless steel lid for GN 1/1 vacuum container

CSV11

€70.52

This stainless steel lid for 1/1 GN vacuum containers fits perfectly on your 1/1 gastronorm container. Store, cook and preserve your food safely with this lid. It is specifically designed for vacuum cooking and vacuum preservation.

Stainless steel Gastronorm Tray GN 1/1 H. 100 mm Vacuum

In stock

GN 1/1 stainless steel vacuum pan

Stainless steel Gastronorm Tray GN 1/1 H. 100 mm Vacuum

BSV11100

€44.39

This 1/1 stainless steel Gastronorm Tray, 100 mm deep, will be perfect for cooking and/or preserving your Sous-Vide foods. Sturdy and resistant, this GN container can be combined with a vacuum lid of the same 1/1 format, in stainless steel or Tritan.

Vacuum machine

The vacuum machine is essential for using the gastro tub. Simply place the product to be preserved in the tray, then place the tray on the machine, which will suck out the air contained in the container. Once the process is complete, you'll have a hermetically sealed product.

The right lid

The lid must be adapted to the type of container you're using. Lid sizes correspond to GN standards, as do the containers.

Valve

A valve is needed to allow hot or cold air to be released during the decompression process. The valve itself can be placed on the lid or on the front of the container.

Care and cleaning

Our advice is to keep your gastro-tray clean and in optimum hygienic condition to ensure the preservation of the food products it contains. Simply clean with hot, soapy water and a soft brush. Bins and utensils are also dishwasher-safe.

How do I vacuum-pack food in a gastro tray?

To vacuum-pack food in a gastro tray, you'll need a vacuum machine, a vacuum-packed gastro tray, a lid suitable for gastro trays and a valve. Then follow these steps:

1. Prepare the food:

Start by preparing the food. Fruits and vegetables should be well washed and cut as required. Meats should be cleaned, cut up and seasoned to taste. Once your ingredients are ready, you can move on to the next step.

2. Fill the tray:

Once the food has been prepared, carefully place it in the bottom of the gastro tray. Make sure there's enough free space for the machine to draw in air.

3. Close the tray:

Close the lid tightly. Check that all parts of the lid are correctly aligned so that no air can enter.

4. Operate the vacuum machine:

Plug your vacuum machine into an electrical outlet and place it on the gastro tray. Suck out the air until your lid is hermetically sealed.

5. Store food:

Once vacuum packing is complete, you can store food for several days or weeks (depending on what you buy). Once opened, with the valve placed on the lid, we recommend that you consume your dish as soon as possible.

Benefits and risks of vacuum packing

Advantages of vacuum-packed gastro trays

Better preservation: Vacuum packing keeps food fresher for longer, as it avoids contact with oxygen.
Preservation of flavors: Nutrients and flavors are preserved because there is no oxidation.

Points to watch out for

Vacuum packing is not always suitable for all foods (some foods need to be cooked before they can be vacuum packed). The best method is always to scrupulously follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid any health risk.
Cross-contamination: Cross-contamination is possible if several different or contaminated products share the same packaging, or if a package is not properly sealed.
Temperature variations: Temperature variations can affect the nutritional and taste quality of vacuum-packed products.

The key to reaping the full benefits of vacuum packing is to observe basic hygiene rules and scrupulously follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the gastro-tray.

Machine sous vide à aspiration externe

Gastrovac vacuum packing machine GASTROLAND

GASTROVAC

€810.00

This Gastrovac vacuum packing machine is designed to be used with our stainless steel Gastronorm vacuum containers and their stainless steel or Tritan lids for vacuum packing your food.