How to use a vacuum bag for better food preservation?

Vacuum bags and pouches are becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen, both with professionals and private individuals. When used in conjunction with a vacuum packaging machine, they not only extend the shelf life of foodstuffs, but also preserve their taste and nutritional qualities.

In this comprehensive guide, find out how to choose and use a vacuum bag, as well as the many benefits they offer when combined with a suitable vacuum machine.

The different types of vacuum bag: embossed or smooth

There are two main types of vacuum bag on the market: embossed and smooth.

Embossed bags :

Advantages:

  • Adapted to external vacuum machines (suitable for private individuals and semi-professionals),
  • Allows better air circulation during extraction
  • Generally more affordable in price.

Disadvantages:

  • Less resistant than smooth bags,
  • Unsuitable for sous-vide cooking.

Smooth bags :

Advantages:

  • More resistant, therefore better suited to sous vide cooking,
  • Suitable for chamber machines (intended for professional use),
  • More watertight.

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive,
  • Incompatible with some external vacuum machines.

Depending on your use (professional, semi-professional or domestic) and your needs in terms of preservation and/or cooking, you can choose between embossed or smooth bags. They are available in rolls or individual bags, the choice depending on your preferences and the volume of food to be packed. Rolls allow customized adjustment of each bag's dimensions, offering potentially greater savings.

Vacuum embossed roll 20 x 600 cm
In stock
Rouleau sous vide gaufré

Vacuum embossed roll 20 x 600 cm

RG20X600
€6.32
An alternative to flat embossed vacuum bags, this 20 cm X 6 m roll is designed to work with a vacuum sealer. Cook, store and preserve your food safely with this roll.
Embossed vacuum bags 15X30 cm
Replenishment within 7 to 10 days
Food-grade vacuum bag

Embossed vacuum bags 15 x 30 cm, 2,000 pcs

SAC150x300
€228.50
These 15 X 30 embossed vacuum bags are designed to work with a vacuum packaging machine. Cook, store and preserve your food safely with this 2000-count box.
Bag for "Témoin" tray
Delivered within 7 days
Gilac food bins

Sachet GILAC for HACCP trays - transparent

GILAC
G054901
€104.41
Sachets 160 x 220 mm EP 50 µ - carton of 1000. Minigrip bags for easy storage of control dishes in HACCP bins. Brand GILAC (made in France).
Cooks using a gastro tub

What types of food are vacuum bags suitable for?

Vacuum bags can be used for both solid and liquid foods. For liquids, however, be careful not to fill the bag more than two-thirds full, to avoid leakage during sealing.

How to use: practical advice

To use vacuum bags safely, choose approved "food-quality" bags and give preference to recognized brands to avoid unpleasant surprises. It's also important to observe kitchen hygiene rules when vacuum packing food.

    • Step 1: Thoroughly clean the bag opening before each use, to ensure that the edges are free of any food residues that could compromise the bag's seal.
    • Step 2: Position the top edge of the bag correctly, avoiding creases or wrinkles when it is inserted into the sealing machine or vacuum chamber, for a strong seal and successful packaging.
    • Step 3: Allow the bag to rest for a few moments after sealing, so that the heated plastic can solidify and ensure a sturdy closure that will withstand subsequent handling.
    • Step 4: Visually inspect each sealed bag to check that the edges are securely closed and that no air leaks are visible.
    • Step 5: Carefully test the seal by exerting light pressure on the pouch to locate any air bubbles or leaks. If a problem is detected, repeat the sealing procedure.

By following these practical tips, you'll be able to take full advantage of the benefits vacuum bags have to offer, and make the most of them to suit your culinary needs.

Can a vacuum bag be reused?

When it comes to using vacuum bags over and over again, you need to adapt:

  • Yes, vacuum bags can be reused after careful cleaning and disinfection, and under certain conditions. If the previous packaging contained a cooked food without a sauce or fatty marinade, the bag can be carefully cleaned, as they are generally designed to withstand this. For reasons of hygiene and performance, we advise you not to reuse the bag. The vacuum bag is a consumable product.

  • On the other hand, if the bag contains raw food or food with a fatty sauce/marinade, Gastroland recommends that you consume it within a suitable timeframe, or discard it after use.

Advantages and tips for optimum use of vacuum bags

Vacuum packing prolongs the shelf life of foods and ready-made meals. It ensures prolonged freshness, and preserves the taste and nutritional qualities of food. But these are not the only advantages.

Easy, organized food transport

Vacuum bags help to store food compactly in your fridge or freezer. You can also write directly on the bag to indicate the contents or packaging date.

Vacuum cooking

Low-temperature cooking in a vacuum bag guarantees even cooking without loss of flavor or moisture, for perfect, tasty results. Yes, you can cook your food in a vacuum bag, provided it is sufficiently resistant to high temperatures.

Freezing vacuum-packed food

Vacuum-packed food can also be frozen.

Defrosting should be done slowly in the refrigerator, to ensure optimum quality when eating.

Vacuum bags are an effective way of preserving and optimizing food preservation, while facilitating handling and cooking. To take full advantage of their benefits, it's essential to master this technique and pay close attention to the necessary precautions.