
Vacuum packing meat is a great way to preserve its freshness and extend its shelf life. This method involves removing air from a sealed bag or container, creating an airtight environment that prevents bacteria and other contaminants from entering.
To start, you'll need a vacuum sealer machine or a manual vacuum pump. The machine will remove the air from the bag, while the pump requires you to manually create a vacuum by pulling out the air.
The type of meat you're vacuum packing also matters. Delicate meats like fish and poultry require a lower vacuum setting to prevent damage, while tougher meats like beef and lamb can handle a stronger setting.
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Benefits of Vacuum Packing Meat
Vacuum packing meat has several benefits that make it a great way to store and preserve your meat. Removing the air from the packaging prevents oxidation and spoilage, keeping your meat fresher for longer.
This results in an extended shelf life, which is especially useful if you buy meat in bulk. By minimizing the chance of bacterial growth, you can enjoy your meat for a longer period.

The absence of air also means that your meat will retain its flavour and texture for longer. This is because there's less chance of it losing its flavour or dehydrating.
In fact, vacuum packing even ensures that the meat continues to mature, which is great news for those who like their meat to develop a richer flavour over time.
By storing larger quantities of vacuum-packed meat, you can reduce food waste and save money in the long run. This is because the risk of spoilage is significantly reduced.
Equipment and Preparation
To vacuum pack meat, you'll need a vacuum sealer machine, which can be purchased at most kitchen supply stores or online.
The right type of bags for your vacuum sealer are crucial, and you'll want to choose ones that are specifically designed for meat, such as those made from food-grade materials and with a thickness of at least 3 mils.
Before you start, make sure your workspace is clean and dry to prevent any contamination of the meat or bags.
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Get Suitable

You need a vacuum sealer that can handle larger objects, as most machines are designed for small amounts of meat.
To ensure you get the right vacuum sealer, you should consider a stronger machine if you have lots of meat that's not completely frozen.
The right vacuum seal bag is also crucial, so look for thick bags that can handle even the sharpest edges of frozen meat.
Research the product before buying to ensure the bag can withstand the contents, and avoid torn bags that can lead to spoiled food.
Get Best Seal Bag
To get the best seal bag, you need to look out for vacuum sealed bags that are thick enough to handle even the sharpest edges of the frozen meat.
The right bag will make a huge difference in keeping your meat fresh and preventing freezer burn.
You should carry out research before buying the product that will be stored in the freezer.
This will help you avoid a scenario where you want to take out your vacuum sealed food only to find out that the bag is torn and the meat inside it is bad.
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Create Bags

To create bags, you'll need a vacuum sealer, like our Food Saver, which can be found at Walmart.
A vacuum sealer is a must-have for this process.
You can buy rolls of Vacuum Seal Bags and then seal them off into individual bags.
We prefer buying rolls because they're more cost-effective in the long run.
Cut the bag using the cutting tool inside the vacuum sealer.
Leave the other end of the bag open to add your food, like hamburger, in the next steps.
Vacuum Sealing Process
To get started with vacuum sealing your meat, you'll need to prepare it properly. Keep your hands clean before handling the meat and choose a suitable vacuum sealer and bag.
It's essential to position the meat correctly in the bag to ensure even sealing. For example, when vacuum sealing hamburger, try to move it to the bottom corners of the package.
When operating the vacuum sealer, make sure the open ends of the bag face into the drip tray. This will help prevent any mess or spills.

The Food Saver should be switched to the "Wet" setting and then "Vac/Seal" before sealing the bag. If the bag doesn't seal properly, try repositioning it or using a larger bag.
A quality bag will have a clear vacuum seal across the bottom and top, ensuring your meat stays fresh while frozen. If there's even a quarter of an inch not sealed, it won't keep the meat safe and fresh.
Special Considerations
It's crucial to keep your hands clean before handling frozen meat.
You'll also need to get the most suitable vacuum sealer and vacuum sealed bag before storing the meat in the freezer.
Don't forget to use a vacuum sealer specifically designed for frozen meat to prevent freezer burn.
Pre-Freeze
Pre-freeze your meat and fish before vacuum sealing them. This is because pre-freezing helps prevent the growth of bacteria, making your food safer to store.
You should pack the items in a freezer bag and freeze them for a day or two before vacuum sealing. Some people like to vacuum pack meat that would otherwise be air aged, but these meats are not pre-frozen.
Can You Seal Frozen Meat?
You can seal frozen meat, and it's actually a good idea to do so. This helps keep it fresher and longer.
Pre-freezing meat and fish before vacuum sealing is a good practice. Pack them in a freezer bag and freeze for a day or two before vacuum sealing.
You can also vacuum seal frozen meat that's already been frozen, and it's especially helpful if you need to keep it for a long time. This reduces the risk of freezer burn and other complications that can make your food taste bad.
Divide the meat into manageable portions before vacuum sealing to keep it fresh and ready for cooking. Avoid storing large amounts in one bag, as this can cause issues with the seal.
Sealing and Storage
To seal and store your vacuum-packed meat, you'll want to get the right vacuum seal bag, one that's thick enough to handle even the sharpest edges of the frozen meat.
You can vacuum seal raw meat, including smallgoods, large cuts of meat, ground meat, and some seafood. You can also vacuum seal sausages and bacon.
To improve the shelf life of your meat, vacuum seal it as soon as possible and store it in the freezer. Here's a rough guide to the shelf life of different types of meat:
Remember to keep your hands clean and use a suitable vacuum sealer and vacuum sealed bag when storing your meat in the freezer.
Portion Frozen Meat
When storing frozen meat, it's essential to keep your hands clean to prevent contamination.
Make sure to get the most suitable vacuum sealer and vacuum sealed bag for your meat before storing it in the freezer.
Divide the meat into manageable portions before using a vacuum sealer to keep it fresh and ready for sous vide cooking.
Avoid storing meat in very large amounts in one bag to prevent issues with the seal.
By rationing the frozen meat into smaller portions, you'll be able to use your vacuum sealer more efficiently and keep your meat fresh for a longer period.
Sealing
Sealing is a crucial step in preserving the freshness and quality of your meat. You can seal raw meat, including smallgoods, large cuts of meat, ground meat, and some seafood.
To seal raw meat effectively, use a suitable vacuum sealer and vacuum sealed bag. You can also seal cooked meat, but make sure it's cooled down to an appropriate temperature first.
When sealing meat, it's essential to get the right vacuum seal bag. Look for bags that are thick enough to handle the sharpest edges of the frozen meat. This will help prevent the bag from tearing and the meat from becoming spoiled.
You can vacuum seal frozen meat to keep it fresher and longer. This will help reduce the risk of freezer burn and other complications that can make your food taste bad when you cook it.
Here's a comparison of the shelf life of different types of meat when stored in a freezer with and without vacuum sealing:
Remember to seal your meat in manageable portions to keep it fresh and ready for cooking. This will also prevent issues with the seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bacteria grow in vacuum sealed meat?
Yes, bacteria can grow in vacuum sealed meat under certain conditions, such as time-temperature abuse. This can lead to spoilage, even when stored at chilled temperatures.
Is it worth it to vacuum seal meat?
Vacuum-sealing meat helps preserve nutrients and reduces food waste, making it a great option for those who want to maintain a balanced diet. It's a simple way to extend the shelf life of meat while keeping its nutritional value intact.
Sources
- https://henkelman.com/en/vacuum-packing/meat
- https://www.aia.edu.au/vacuum-packing-food-at-home-step-by-step-guide/
- https://outofair.com/blog/can-you-vacuum-seal-frozen-meat-complete-guide-to-store-meat
- https://pacfood.com.au/can-you-vacuum-seal-meat/
- https://farmetteinbloom.com/how-to-vacuum-seal-hamburger/
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