Let's get acquainted with the real miracle of modern industry - a vacuum container for products. In comparison with storage in conventional containers, it has a lot of advantages:
- prolongs the storage time at times;
- it makes it possible to cook less often, while keeping the food fresh;
- in some cases it is possible to do without a freezer;
- with success replaces breadbasket and marinator.
To use such a container, it is necessary to fold the products, cover and evacuate the air. In most models, this is done using a pump. Air, or rather, the oxygen contained in it, is the medium for the multiplication of bacteria. And removing air from a closed container, we deprive these microorganisms of food, and they perish. That is why food stored in a vacuum does not deteriorate for a long time, and on the food slices, a crust is not formed.
The amount of air that can be removed from the container is directly proportional to the quality of the pump. Of course, it will not be possible to pump out 100% of oxygen, so the duration and quality of food storage depends on the reliability of the sealing system of such a container.
Types of vacuum food containers
When buying a container, people often focus only on price and appearance. Meanwhile, it will not be superfluous to know that all vacuum tanks are divided into three categories that differ in the way they pump air:
The simplest models create a vacuum inside the container by simply pressing the center of the lid. However, as you understand, it is unlikely that you can pump out all the air through such manipulation, so you can not say that in such a utensil there will be a complete vacuum. Keep food there should not be too long: the shelf life of most products is extended by about half. Of the advantages of these models, we note their cheapness and the ability to use in the freezer and microwave ovens.
Using vacuum containers for products with a pump, you can extend the period of their storage 4 and more times. The pump is mounted in the lid of the container, it pumps the air qualitatively and reliably, ensuring a high degree of evacuation. The container with a pump integrated in the cover has a relatively low price, and it is also convenient and mobile.
That you will not tell about the third version - containers with the attached (not built in) pump. This device gives the greatest possible air evacuation, but it costs far not cheap (for example, vacuum containers for storage of "Zepter" or "Breeze" products at the price of not less than 500-600 USD). In addition, such containers are powered by electricity and have quite impressive dimensions.
Containers differ in material and are made of plastic or glass. The latter are more ecological, however they are more severe. An interesting option is the evacuating cover on an ordinary glass jar. Such devices work relatively stably, but the shape of the container itself is not particularly convenient for storing food.
Of the additional functions, the availability of a vacuum status indicator, as well as a calendar for setting the storage times, can influence the choice. What is noteworthy, vacuum containers are used not only for food storage.
Store food in vacuum containers at the same temperature as in conventional containers. For example, you do not need to put bread in the refrigerator, but meat, dairy products, fish - it is necessary. Greens, berries, fruits and fresh vegetables should be stored at a temperature of 14-15 ° C.