Mylar Bags and Impulse Sealers

When it comes to preserving your precious freeze-dried foods, Mylar bags should be your go-to storage solution. These versatile bags provide an excellent barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light, helping to keep your freeze-dried delicacies fresh for extended periods. However, using Mylar bags effectively requires more than just sealing them up; you need the right tools and techniques. In this guide, we'll delve into the particulars of using Mylar bags and impulse sealers to ensure your food stays safe and sound.

Why Mylar Bags are the Ideal Choice

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of using Mylar bags, let's understand why they're the preferred option for freeze-dried food storage. Mylar bags are designed to create a protective environment for your food. Here are some key reasons why Mylar bags are the ideal choice:

Preservation without Puncture: Unlike vacuum sealing, which can potentially puncture the fragile cellular structure of freeze-dried food, Mylar bags are gentle on your culinary creations. Even high-quality Mylar bags can develop puncture holes during vacuum sealing, risking both crushed food and compromised freshness.
Oxygen Absorber Compatibility: Mylar bags are the perfect partner for oxygen absorbers. These absorbers effectively remove damaging oxygen, leaving your food in a protective cushion of nitrogen. This ensures that your freeze-dried food remains fresh and free from spoilage.

Using an Impulse Sealer

Now that we've established the importance of Mylar bags, let's explore how to effectively seal them using an impulse sealer. An impulse sealer is a simple yet powerful tool that ensures a secure and airtight seal on your Mylar bags. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Steps to Use a Mylar Bag with an Impulse Sealer:

Preparation: Place the freeze-dried food and the oxygen absorber inside the Mylar bag. Ensure that the area to be sealed is clean and free from any debris.
Plug In and Set: Plug in the impulse sealer and set it to the appropriate setting for the thickness of your Mylar bag.
Position the Bag: Lay the Mylar bag flat against the sealer's strip, ensuring it's properly aligned.
Seal the Bag: Press down on the lever, and the sealer's light will turn on. Hold the lever down for approximately five seconds.
Maintain Pressure: Even after the light turns off, continue to hold down the lever for about five more seconds. This additional time helps ensure a secure seal.
Double Seal (Optional): If you want extra security, move the Mylar bag down slightly and repeat the sealing process to create a double seal.

It's important to note that the impulse sealer works best when you firmly press down on the lever during the sealing process. After sealing, allow the bag to cool before performing a quality check. Ensure there are no folds or creases in the seal, and that it holds securely.

Typical Settings for Sealing Bags with an Impulse Sealer:

Setting 7: Suitable for 7-mil Mylar bags (You may need to adjust to 8 if the seal doesn't hold well.)
Setting 6: Ideal for 5-mil Mylar bags.
Setting 5 or 6: Recommended for zip Mylar bags with windows or a clear side.
Setting 5: Appropriate for vacuum bags and plastic bags that hold oxygen absorbers.

Quick Tip: Setting 4 or 5 can also be used to reseal chip bags.

Depending on your specific situation, you may need to adjust the settings up or down to achieve the perfect seal. If you're sealing a large number of bags at once, consider slightly lowering the impulse sealer's setting to prevent overheating (common when prepping bags of freeze-dried candy for sale, for example).

Adding an Extra Layer of Protection: Plastic Totes

While Mylar bags are highly effective at preserving your freeze-dried food, they are not invincible. Some pests and rodents can still pose a threat. To safeguard your stored food from these nuisances, it's best to store Mylar bags inside a plastic tote or another container that acts as a barrier between your food and potential invaders.

With Mylar bags sealed using an impulse sealer and stored in a protective tote, you can be confident that your freeze-dried foods will remain fresh and secure, ready to delight your taste buds whenever you choose to enjoy them.

Mylar bags and impulse sealers are your allies in the quest to preserve the quality, flavor, and nutritional value of freeze-dried foods. By understanding the importance of these tools and following the proper sealing techniques, you can ensure that your culinary creations are protected against the elements that threaten their freshness.

Additional Resource:

What Foods Can You Freeze-Dry?