Reducing food spoilage

We all know groceries are costing us more.

And we want to maximize every dollar spent so as little food as possible is wasted. Food is wasted in three main ways: spoilage from buying more than could be consumed, storing food incorrectly so it spoils or deteriorates faster, and from throwing spoiled food or scraps into the garbage instead of the compost bin.

Zwilling, the knife people, have created a vacuum food storage system which can maximize the amount of time food can be stored.

It’s known as the Fresh & Save. Food that is vacuum sealed can be stored for up to five times longer than in regular containers or plastic wraps.

Why is vacuum sealed so much more effective? It has to do with the science behind food spoilage.

Food spoils due to a number of factors, primarily, air and oxygen. Air is full of micro-organisms. These microorganisms are bacteria and will grow on food sources. The oxygen in the air feeds the bacterial growth. Fresh produce, such as vegetables and fruits, are constantly ripening due to enzymes on the skins. If there is moisture in the mix, decay speeds up. Even items that are baked or processed, such as breads and cheeses, will grow mold as moisture comes from inside the food and sits on the surface.

There are many ways to help keep food fresh longer and it starts with making sure your refrigerator is at the correct temperature. Too warm and the conditions for bacterial growth are higher. Too cold and produce freezes then thaws and is inedible. This is why fridges have drawers designated for certain foods. A good fridge thermometer can help find the ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ spots.

The next step is how you store the food in the fridge or cupboard. It’s important to remove as much of the air as possible. That is where the Fresh & Save shines.

With a variety of container sizes, available in plastic or glass, with tight fitting lids, the vacuum pump quickly removes the air and seals the food. For foods stored best in plastic bags, several sizes are available, all with a vacuum vent. There are lunch box containers too, perfect for school or work. Removing air and freezing cooled food in a vacuum sealed bag or container is the best way to avoid yucky freezer burn taste.

The Zwilling Fresh & Save vacuum pump is about the size of a pepper mill and is powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It charges like a cellphone. To break the seal just push the silicon button on the lid to one side or unzip the bag. A Zwilling Fresh & Seal system costs about the same or less than a week’s grocery bill for a family of four. It pays for itself very quickly as your food waste costs drop.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Fresh & Save has a QR code and ap system to track what you stored and when.

Cathy Reid is the owner of Absolutely Fabulous at Home in New Minas and offers information on consumer products every week.