Mylar bags have revolutionized long-term food storage, offering an effective way to preserve a variety of dry goods. You can package numerous food items in Mylar bags, including grains, beans, flour, sugar, pasta, and dried fruits. These versatile containers provide an excellent barrier against moisture, light, and oxygen, helping to extend the shelf life of your stored foods significantly.
When using Mylar bags for food storage, it's crucial to select items with low moisture content. Foods with 10% moisture or less are ideal candidates for this packaging method. By combining Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, you create an environment that inhibits spoilage and maintains food quality for extended periods.
Proper packaging techniques are essential for successful long-term storage. You'll want to fill your Mylar bags with the desired food items, add an appropriate oxygen absorber, and seal the bags securely. This process helps ensure your stored foods remain fresh and nutritious for months or even years to come.
Essentials of Mylar Bag Packaging
Properly packaging items in Mylar bags is crucial for long-term food storage. The process involves selecting appropriate bags, preparing items correctly, and using effective sealing techniques.
Choosing the Right Mylar Bags
Select Mylar bags based on the quantity and type of food you're storing. For most dry goods, 5-mil thickness provides adequate protection. Choose 7.5-mil bags for heavier items or longer storage periods.
Bag sizes range from 1-gallon to 5-gallon capacity. Smaller bags are ideal for frequently used items, while larger bags suit bulk storage.
Ensure the bags are made of food-grade laminated plastic with a strong oxygen barrier. This material protects against light, moisture, and air infiltration.
Preparing Items for Storage
Only package dry foods with 10% moisture content or less. This includes items like rice, beans, flour, sugar, and dehydrated fruits and vegetables.
Remove items from their original packaging and inspect for any signs of damage or infestation. Freeze dry goods for 48 hours to eliminate potential pests.
Measure out portions that fit your chosen bag size, leaving about 1/4 of the bag empty for proper sealing.
Sealing and Storage
Place an appropriately sized oxygen absorber in each bag before sealing. For 1-gallon bags, use 300-500cc absorbers. 5-gallon bags require 2000-3000cc absorbers.
Use a heat sealer or impulse sealer for the most secure closure. Iron-sealing is an alternative method but may be less reliable.
Seal bags quickly to minimize oxygen exposure. Double-check seals for any gaps or weak points.
Store sealed Mylar bags in a cool, dark place. For added protection, place bags inside food-grade plastic buckets.
Consider vacuum sealing for an extra layer of preservation, especially for items sensitive to oxidation.
Specific Foods and Considerations for Mylar Storage
Mylar bags offer excellent protection for a variety of dry foods, extending their shelf life significantly. Proper storage techniques and food selection are crucial for maximizing the benefits of this preservation method.
Grains, Beans, and Pasta
Rice, wheat, and beans are staples for long-term storage in mylar bags. White rice can last up to 30 years when properly sealed with oxygen absorbers. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life due to its higher oil content. Wheat berries and dried beans can store for 20-30 years.
Pasta, when stored correctly, can last 20-30 years. Choose pasta made from semolina flour for best results. Whole grain pasta has a shorter shelf life due to its oil content.
Oats are another excellent option, with a potential shelf life of 25-30 years. Store rolled oats or steel-cut oats rather than quick oats for better longevity.
Sugar, Spices, and Other Dry Ingredients
Sugar doesn't spoil and doesn't require oxygen absorbers. It can last indefinitely when stored properly in mylar bags. Salt also has an indefinite shelf life and doesn't need oxygen absorbers.
Spices and herbs retain their potency for 1-5 years in mylar bags. Ground spices lose flavor faster than whole spices. Coffee beans or grounds can last 1-2 years when stored properly.
Flour has a shelf life of 5-10 years in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. For longer storage, consider storing whole wheat berries instead.
Powdered milk can last up to 25 years when properly packaged. It's a valuable source of calcium and protein in emergency situations.
Emergency and Survival Food Items
Freeze-dried foods are ideal for mylar bag storage, with a shelf life of 25-30 years. They retain most of their nutritional value and are lightweight, making them perfect for emergency kits.
Nuts can be stored in mylar bags but have a shorter shelf life of 1-2 years due to their high oil content. Vacuum sealing can help extend their shelf life.
Beef jerky, when properly dried and stored with oxygen absorbers, can last 1-2 years in mylar bags. It's a good source of protein for survival situations.
For preppers, consider creating a diverse food storage plan. Combine long-lasting staples with shorter-term items for a well-rounded emergency food supply.
