Are you tired of throwing away leftover soup? Or do you want to meal prep and save time during the week?
One solution is vacuum sealing your soup.
Vacuum sealing is a popular method for preserving food, including soups. By using vacuum bags or containers with suction strips, you can extend the shelf life of your soup while maintaining its flavor.
The benefits of vacuum sealing soup are numerous.
It saves space in the freezer and reduces waste by allowing you to portion out servings.
It prevents freezer burn and preserves the taste of your soup for longer periods.
However, there are also some cons to consider when vacuum sealing soup, such as pressure on the container and potential leaks.
If you’re wondering why you should vacuum seal food or if it’s necessary for sous vide cooking, we’ll answer these questions too. But first, let’s explore why some foods like onions and mushrooms shouldn’t be vacuum sealed.
So grab a bag or container and let’s get started!
Benefits of Using a Chamber Vacuum Sealer for Liquid Preservation
Mess-Free Liquid Storage with Chamber Vacuum Sealers
If you’re looking for an efficient way to store soups and other liquid-based foods, using a chamber vacuum sealer is your best bet. Unlike other sealing methods, these machines are specifically designed to seal liquids effectively without any mess. The use of a liquid blocker in chamber vacuum sealer machines ensures that no liquid spills out during the sealing process.
Prevent Dehydration and Freezer Burn
Vacuum sealing liquids with a chamber vacuum sealer also prevents dehydration and freezer burn, ensuring that your soups and other liquid-based foods stay fresh for longer periods of time. This is because the machine removes all the air from the packaging before sealing it shut, preventing oxidation and moisture from getting inside.
More Efficient than Other Sealing Methods
Using a chamber vacuum sealer is also more efficient than using other sealing methods such as ziplock bags or plastic containers. With these methods, you’ll need to remove as much air as possible manually before sealing them shut. This can be time-consuming and often doesn’t remove all the air, which can lead to spoilage and freezer burn down the line.
Versatile Use
Chamber vacuum sealers aren’t just great for preserving soups; they can also be used for storing sauces, stews, marinades, broths, and even wine! By removing all the air from these liquids’ packaging before sealing them shut, you’ll ensure their freshness for an extended period.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Investing in a high-quality chamber vacuum sealer may seem like an expensive upfront cost compared to traditional storage methods like ziplock bags or plastic containers. However, in the long run, it’s far more cost-effective since you won’t have to throw away spoiled food due to freezer burn or oxidation.
Edgestyle vs. Chamber Style Machines: Which is Best for Vacuum Sealing Soup?
Affordable Edgestyle Machines
If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable vacuum sealer, then an edge style machine might be the right choice for you. These machines are generally less expensive than chamber-style machines and can still get the job done.
However, Edgestyle machines have their limitations. Since these machines suck the air out of the bag from one end, they can also suck out liquid if not sealed correctly.
Better Option: Chamber Style Machines
Chamber-style machines are better suited for vacuum sealing soup because they prevent liquid from being sucked out of the bag during the sealing process. Unlike edge style machines that only seal one end of the bag at a time, chamber-style machines seal the entire bag in a chamber with controlled pressure.
When using a chamber-style machine, you don’t have to worry about any liquids getting sucked out during the sealing process. This makes it easier to store and transport your soup without any mess or spills.
Using Edgestyle Machines for Soup
While edge-style machines aren’t ideal for vacuum sealing soup, there are still ways to make them work. To prevent liquid from being sucked out of the bag:
- Freeze your soup before vacuum-sealing it.
- Use a double-bagging method by placing your soup in one bag and then placing that bag inside another.
- Place a paper towel or napkin between the food and where it will be sealed to absorb any excess moisture.
- Use a specialized attachment designed specifically for liquids with your edge-style machine.
Keep in mind that while these methods may work, they aren’t foolproof like using a chamber-style machine would be.
How to Properly Freeze Soup Before Vacuum Sealing
Freezing Soup Before Vacuum Sealing
Soup is a great meal option for busy weeknights or when you need something comforting. However, making a large batch of soup can leave you with leftovers that may go bad if not stored properly. One way to preserve your soup’s freshness and flavor is by freezing it before vacuum sealing.
Preventing Freezer Burn
When vacuum sealing soup, it is essential to place it in a freezer-safe container or bag first. This step prevents freezer burn, which occurs when moisture evaporates from the food and creates ice crystals on its surface. Freezer burn can cause your soup to lose its flavor and texture over time.
Cooling Soup Completely Before Freezing
Before freezing your soup, make sure it has cooled completely to room temperature. This step helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container or bag, which can lead to ice crystals and freezer burn. Once cooled, transfer your soup into a freezer-safe container or bag.
Steps for Vacuum Sealing Soup with Foodsaver
Now that your soup is in a freezer-safe container or bag, you can vacuum seal it using a Foodsaver machine. Follow these simple steps:
- Place the filled container or bag into the Foodsaver machine.
- Press the “Vacuum & Seal” button.
- Wait for the machine to remove all air from the container or bag.
- Once all air has been removed, the machine will automatically seal it shut.
What Can You Vacuum Seal and Freeze?
Soup isn’t the only food item you can vacuum seal and freeze!
Steps to Vacuum Seal Soup for Freshness and Convenience
If you’re someone who loves homemade soup or stew, then you know how convenient it can be to have leftovers. But what if we told you that there is an even better option for storing your soup? Vacuum sealing is a great way to keep your soup fresh for longer periods of time, and it’s super easy to do! Here are some steps on how to vacuum seal soup:
Prepare Homemade Soup or Stew with Vegetables
The first step in vacuum sealing your soup is to prepare it. Make sure that all of the vegetables are cut into small pieces so that they can fit easily into the vacuum-sealed package. You can use any type of homemade soup or stew, but just make sure that it has cooled down before you start the process.
Let It Cool Down in the Fridge
After preparing your soup, let it cool down in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This will help prevent any bacteria from growing and keep your food safe.
Portion the Soup into Flat Packages or Ice Cube Trays
Once your soup has cooled down, portion it out into flat packages or ice cube trays. This will make it easier to store and reheat later on. If using flat packages, make sure they are freezer-safe bags.
Vacuum Seal Each Package or Tray and Label with Date and Type of Soup
Now comes the fun part – vacuum sealing! Use a chamber vacuum sealer if possible as this will give better results than handheld ones. Place each package or tray in a vacuum-sealed bag and remove all air before sealing. Finally, label each package with the date and type of soup so that you know what’s inside when you’re ready to eat.
Store in Freezer for up to Several Weeks or in Fridge for a Few Days
Once everything is sealed up, store them in the freezer for up to several weeks or in the fridge for a few days.
Tips for Maximizing Your Food Saver Machine’s Performance
Can You Vacuum Seal Soup?
Yes, you can vacuum seal soup, but it requires a little bit of preparation and caution. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your FoodSaver machine when sealing liquids like soup:
- Use a high-quality vacuum seal bag: To prevent leaks and ensure a tight seal, use specially designed bags for liquids or bags with reinforced seams. These bags are thicker and more durable than regular bags.
- Freeze the soup before sealing: Freezing the soup beforehand will help it keep its shape during the sealing process. This will also prevent any liquid from being sucked up into the machine.
- Leave enough room at the top of the bag: When filling your bag with soup, make sure to leave at least one inch of space at the top for liquid expansion during freezing.
- Clean your FoodSaver machine after every use: This will ensure optimal performance and prevent any leftover food particles from contaminating future seals.
- Store your FoodSaver equipment properly: Keep your machine in a cool, dry place to prevent damage and extend its lifespan.
By following these tips, you can safely vacuum seal soups and other liquids with your FoodSaver machine without any issues. Just remember to take extra care when handling liquids and always use high-quality bags designed specifically for this purpose.
Yes, You Can Vacuum Seal Soup!
In conclusion, vacuum sealing soup is a great way to preserve its freshness and flavor for longer periods. Using a chamber vacuum sealer provides numerous benefits for liquid preservation, including preventing freezer burn and reducing food waste. When choosing between edgestyle and chamber style machines, it’s best to opt for the latter as they are more efficient in sealing liquids.
To properly freeze soup before vacuum sealing, make sure to cool it down completely first. Then follow these simple steps: place the soup in a container suitable for freezing, leave some headspace, cover it with plastic wrap, and freeze until solid.
When ready to vacuum seal the soup, use a high-quality food saver machine and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Maximizing your machine’s performance can be achieved by using the right type of bags or pouches and avoiding overfilling them.
Overall, vacuum sealing soup is an easy and convenient way to store leftovers or meal prep ahead of time. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your soups stay fresh and delicious for weeks or even months!
FAQs
1. Can I vacuum seal hot soup?
It is not recommended to vacuum seal hot soup as it can create steam inside the bag or pouch which may cause damage to your machine. Always let the soup cool down completely before attempting to vacuum seal it.
2. How long does vacuum-sealed soup last?
Vacuum-sealed soups can last up to 2-3 years in the freezer if stored properly.
3. Can I reuse bags after vacuum sealing liquids like soups?
It is not recommended to reuse bags after sealing liquids such as soups due to potential contamination from bacteria or other microorganisms that may have grown during storage.
4. What types of bags are best for vacuum sealing soups?
It is best to use heavy-duty bags designed for vacuum sealing liquids such as soups.