Yes, do not vacuum package soft cheese, mushrooms, or garlic.
No. Due to the high water content of these vegetables, it is recommended that you do not freeze them. Instead, wash and dry them thoroughly, vacuum pack them in canisters, and store in the refrigerator until needed. They will last up to 6 weeks in this manner.
Yes, with the exception of tomatoes (see FAQ #2 below). Cooked foods must be at least room temperature before vacuuming or you run the risk of bacterial growth.
Yes. But, you MUST defrost all vacuum packaged perishable foods in the refrigerator. Never leave any perishable foods at room temperature while they are still vacuum packaged. Vacuum packaged perishable foods must be refrigerated or frozen. The food inside the bag is not sterile.
Yes, but it depends on the previous contents of the bag.
Bags that previously contained fruits, vegetables, breads, dry goods, and many desserts can be washed and reused. Bags that contained raw meats, fish, eggs or un-pasteurized cheese should be discarded after use because they may contain invisible bacteria that will remain after washing. Bags that contained greasy or oily foods should also be discarded, as they may be difficult to clean. FoodSaver® Bags can be washed by hand, or in the top rack of the dishwasher. Use a wooden clothespin or a clip to hold the bags in place. Dry completely. They can then be re-vacuumed.
Yes, but look for sharp edges that may cause a puncture in your bag. Place a paper towel around the sharp edge, then vacuum and seal the bag. The paper towel will not change the taste or texture of the food item it is near.
No. Do not vacuum package mushrooms.
Yes, the whole tomato may be pre-frozen and then vacuum packaged and stored in the freezer. This may cause the texture of the tomato to change and become limp after thawing. It is not recommended that fresh whole tomatoes be vacuum packaged and stored in refrigerator or at room temperature. If the tomato has been properly processed into tomato products, it may be stored in the refrigerator but this depends on the processing that was used.
Wash the berries and dry thoroughly. Pre-freeze the berries by placing them on a cookie sheet, and put them in the freezer for about 2 hours. Now, you can vacuum package them without crushing them. To store fresh berries in the refrigerator, place them in a FoodSaver® Canister and vacuum package it. The berries will last up to a week or more this way.
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts give off gases when they are stored. This gas will cause the bag to expand, and the vegetables will go bad. The best way to store all vegetables is to blanch them first, then cool, dry, vacuum pack and freeze.
When red meat is vacuum packaged, it tends to turn a darker shade of brown due to the lack of oxygen in the bag. The contents are perfectly safe for eating.