Oxygen absorbers play a huge role in helping to extend the shelf-life of your food, not only in mylar bags but in other airtight containers as well. Oxygen absorbers are small packets containing iron powder, which reacts with the oxygen in the air to create rust. The rusting process consumes the oxygen, effectively reducing the oxygen levels inside the Mylar bag. This is important because oxygen is a major contributor to food spoilage. By reducing the oxygen levels, oxygen absorbers help to prolong the shelf life of food by preventing spoilage, mold growth, and insect infestation.
That being said, they have to be used correctly to get the benefit, and they are not the most user-friendly if you don’t have these tips at the ready. So here are eight tips to get the most from your oxygen absorbers.
1. DON’T open the packaging until you are ready to seal your container.
This had to be said first because as exciting as it is to open your new Habitual Heart Mylar Bag Kit, please, please, please don’t open the sealed packets of oxygen absorbers until the last minute. They are packaged in small quantities to preserve freshness. Oxygen absorbers go to work as soon as they hit oxygen and do their best work in the first few hours. Leaving a package open with no job to do will “expire” the oxygen absorbers, and they will not work as well or at all, depending on how long they have been exposed.
2. Not everything needs an Oxygen Absorber.
Sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda are the top four food items that do not need an oxygen absorber for long-term storage. An oxygen absorber will turn these foods into bricks, so unless you have a chisel ready, it’s best to skip the oxygen absorber. More importantly, moist and fatty foods are not good candidates for mylar bag storage with oxygen absorbers. Anything over 10% moisture should be avoided not to create an anaerobic environment ideal for bacteria like botulism. Freeze-dried fruit is a great candidate for mylar bags, but partially dried fruit (like a prune) should be avoided. Similar to a bloated can, or a popped lid on a jar, a bulging mylar bag is a sign it is no longer good.
3. Choose the right size and number of oxygen absorbers.
When it comes to oxygen absorbers, size matters. Not the size of the actual oxygen absorber but the volume of oxygen it will absorb, which is measured in Cubic Centimeters (CC). You need to choose the right size and number of oxygen absorbers for the amount of food you’re storing. Oxygen absorbers come in different sizes, ranging from 50cc to 2000cc. The rule of thumb is to use one 300cc oxygen absorber for every gallon of food. Be sure to use the right number of oxygen absorbers to ensure that all the oxygen is absorbed from the bag. It is not a problem to use more CCs than are needed, but underusing could result in a less-than-optimal storage environment. Habitual Heart Kits include 130 300cc oxygen absorbers. This is more than enough for 1 per bag. The additional 30 more are intended for the flexibility to double up on the 1-gallon bags, reuse bags, or use them elsewhere in your food storage needs.
4. Check and Seal the Mylar bag.
It’s always a good idea to inspect your bag before filling it. Check for damage and holes that would impact its ability to create an airtight seal after heat sealing. Mylar bags with a zipper seal are great for items you are not storing long-term. The zipper also comes in handy to hold the bag closed for heat sealing in any position. A zipper WILL NOT give you an airtight seal so you must heat seal if you want your oxygen absorbers to work to their maximum capacity for a truly extended shelf life. Similarly, oxygen absorbers can not be reused. The extra oxygen absorbers included in the Habitual Heart Mylar Bag Kit are there if you need to reuse a bag (intentionally or due to user error).
5. Manually remove air.
Manually removing air before you heat seal is one of the best ways to make the oxygen absorbers work as efficiently as possible. To do this, add your oxygen absorber and close the zipper 3/4ths of the way. Then gently push the majority of the air out of the bag before closing the zipper completely. Finish with a heat seal. You can take similar actions if you are using oxygen absorbers with vacuum-sealed bags and jars.
6. Use the assembly line technique.
When getting ready to seal any container you are using oxygen absorbers on, try the assembly line technique. Do every part of the process you can first, like inspecting, filling, labeling, etc. When you are ready for sealing, line up all containers and quickly open and place oxygen absorbers before sealing immediately. This limits the exposure oxygen absorbers have between their sealed packaging and your sealed container. If you have the Habitual Heart Mylar Bag Kit, try to work in groups of 10 to match how oxygen absorbers are packaged by 10s.
7. Store extra absorbers.
If you have extra oxygen absorbers, quickly place them into a small airtight container to reduce exposure. The best containers are ½ pint glass jars with gasket seals, vacuum-seal bags, or another mylar bag (small and heat-sealed).
8. Store Mylar bags properly.
Once you’ve sealed the Mylar bag with the oxygen absorbers inside, you need to store it properly. Keep the bag in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. The ideal temperature for storing food in Mylar bags is between 50°F and 70°F. Avoid storing the bags in places like the garage, attic, or basement, where the temperature and humidity levels can fluctuate. Most Mylar users go on to store bags in food-safe containers for additional protection against rodents as well as ease of transportation. Habitual Heart Mylar bags are designed with rounded edges so as not to puncture other bags when stored together. If you have ever got a paper cut, wait until you get a Mylar cut (ouch!). Make sure to look for rounded corners when shopping for Mylar bags.
Using oxygen absorbers with Mylar bags is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of food. By following these tips, you can ensure that your food stays fresh and safe for a long time. Remember to choose the right size and number of oxygen absorbers, seal the Mylar bag properly, store it in a cool, dry, and dark place, and work fast to ensure effectiveness. With these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of long-term food storage with Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers.
