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Food preservation has become a necessity to prevent waste. Understanding food preservation methods, such as sous vide, is essential. This article explains exactly how to preserve cooked meats using the sous vide system.
Why choose vacuum packing to preserve your cooked meats?
The principle and effectiveness of the vacuum system
The vacuum-packing method is based on the simple idea of removing air from a container before sealing it hermetically. This creates a low-oxygen environment that significantly slows the deterioration of preserved foods. Cooked meats are no exception to this rule.
In concrete terms, vacuum packing prevents the entry of bacteria and other micro-organisms responsible for food spoilage.
Practical and economical reasons
One of the main reasons why you should consider vacuum packing is that it considerably extends the shelf life of food. This means less waste and substantial savings on your food budget.
Think about it! Vacuum packing reduces the space in your fridge or freezer, as bags can be neatly stacked on top of each other.
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Vacuum packing method for cooked meats
Selecting the right packaging
For successful vacuum packing, it's crucial to use specially designed bags or rolls. They need to be strong, leak-proof and adapted to the type of vacuum packing machine you're using(bell vacuum packing machine and external suction vacuum packing machine).
Bags that are too thin or unspecific are likely to perforate easily, compromising the airtightness required for proper preservation.
They must also be compatible with food use, to avoid chemical contamination.
Vacuum packing process
- Using your vacuum packaging machine, carefully place your cooked meat in the dedicated bag, without packing too tightly.
- Then close the bag opening in the appropriate compartment of your machine.
- Once started, the operation usually takes just a few minutes, during which time your machine draws out all the air contained in the bag before sealing it hermetically.
Precautions to take when vacuum packing cooked foods
Temperature management
When vacuum-packing cooked meats, make sure they have been properly cooled beforehand. It's advisable to avoid thermal shock between a still-warm meat and a cold temperature, which could lead to harmful condensation in the bag.
Rigorous hand washing
Before each manipulation linked to the vacuum packing process (especially when placing meat in the bags), make sure your hands are perfectly clean to avoid any undesirable bacterial contamination.
Disinfect your work surface
Don't hesitate to disinfect the work surface, using disposable gloves if necessary. Avoid direct contact between your hands and the food you handle, as this is a real source of contamination
Optimum storage of vacuum-packed meats: temperature and duration
Optimum shelf life
- Red meat: up to 10 days in the refrigerator
- Chicken: up to 6 days in the fridge
- Fish: up to 2 days in the fridge
Ideal temperature
For optimum preservation, maintain a constant temperature generally between 0°C and 4°C (32°F - 39°F), depending on the type of food. This low range largely inhibits bacteria without freezing the food.
Advantages of the vacuum system for cooked meats
Preservation of authentic taste
One of the great advantages of vacuum packing is that it not only ensures excellent preservation, but also preserves the original flavors even after several days in the fridge! The authentic taste is preserved thanks to this modern technique, much appreciated by many of our customers... No flavors are lost and no textures are altered by this preservation method!
Preserving cooked meats by vacuum packing is an art that requires a thorough understanding of the techniques to be used and the precautions to be taken. From the right packaging to the optimum storage temperature, every detail counts to guarantee the longevity and authentic taste of your cooked meats.
But beyond these technical aspects, don't forget that the ultimate goal is to fully appreciate the flavors of your home cooking, even after several days' storage. With the tips and tricks shared in this article, you're now ready to explore the advantages of the vacuum packing system to best preserve your precious cooked meats.