Mylar bag and oxygen absorber info needed.

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Ajax, Oct 30, 2009.


  1. Ajax

    Ajax Monkey++

    I'm about to start storing and vacuum sealing (with oxygen absorbers) food in a 5 gal bucket.

    When I look for the Mylar bags online what thickness to I need to make sure I get?

    What do I look for in the oxygen absorbers? I seem to remember reading you need to use type D because they are made better or something.

    Where is a good place online I can buy the mylar bags and oxygen absorbers? I don't need to many, just 5 5gal and maybe 5 1 gal bags for the time being.

    Thanks for your help.
     
  2. Ajax

    Ajax Monkey++

    Wow, 29 views and no one knows. though the use of mylar and oxygen absorbers was common around here [peep]
     
  3. SLugomist

    SLugomist Monkey++

    google it, probably has it's own thread on the site. search a little and most folks here (I agree) don't feel like doing your research for you. However if it's an obama phone, then we're all for it.

    Enjoy
     
  4. oldsoldier

    oldsoldier Gadget Master

    I don't use mylar bags or oxygen obsorbers. Instead what I do is take a 5 gallon bucket and put whatever I plan to store in clean "food grade" plastic bags. Fill the bags inside the buckets about 3/4 full. Then twist the top of the bag until the air is out and tie the neck of the bag. Then put a piece of dry ice in on top of the bag a ounce or so. Lay the lid on top of the bucket push it down some but do not seal completely. As the dry ice melts it will "smoke" ( vapor ) when it stops snap the lid down tight. Now all or most of the air has been removed. As an added seal precaution you can also wrap duct tape around the lid/bucket as an added seal. I've been doing it this way for years with no problem.
     
  5. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    I think that I mentioned this in another thread. Of course many of us around here know -this is the Survival Monkey!

    I buy my Mylar bags from http://www.nitro-pak.com -and you can also buy 50 count bags of sealed oxy absorbers, too. Any kind works as long as they have the oxygen label (turns a different color if it leaks into main bag when first opened), and these do.

    Also, just so you know -you don't always have to use the mylar. If you have food grade buckets, which come with the rubber gaskets (I don't understand why anyone would duct tape a lid) you don't always need mylar. Some people choose to use the Gamma Lids, and I have some -they work awesome. And be careful if you decide to use dry ice; if you close the lid too early, the bucket could build up pressure and "pop".

    A link to everything I just talked about here: http://www.nitro-pak.com/index.php?cPath=38_26
     
  6. Minuteman

    Minuteman Chaplain Moderator Founding Member

    Like Brokor said you don't neccessarily need mylar bags. I use food grade buckets with gamma seal lids and flush the contents with nitrogen. You can pick up a bottle of nitrogen at a weldng supply company for less than $50. Rig up a valve and hose and I use a steel pipe so I can get to the bottom of the bucket. Open the valve slightly and stir the pipe around while slowely removing it. The nitrogen is heavier than oxygen and will displace all of the oxygen in the bucket. To check it you can place a small lit tea candle on top of the contents and if it goes out then the oxygen is gone. You can do dozens of buckets and it's much cheaper than mylar bags and just as effective.
     
  7. Ajax

    Ajax Monkey++

    Thanks for the info guys, I knew you all would have some good tips.

    In the future I think I will go with nitrogen for food storage containers. For the time being though I am just rushing to get a more well rounded 3 months or so supply so I will just do one or two 5 gallon buckets of rice and beans with the absorbers, I already have everything but the mylar and the oxygen absorbers.

    The web site mentioned that you can reseal the absorbers and keep them fresh enough to use later, has anyone taken and placed them in a mason jar or is there too much open air in a jar like that? I could also vacuum seal the mason jar right after I put the extra absorbers in it if that helps.

    Once I started looking at the bags I noticed the come in different thicknesses so that made me a little concerned that I would get the right type but buying from a site like linked above is probably the safest way to make sure it will work for what I need.
     
  8. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Technically, you don't even need oxy absorbers if you plan on using the dried food item within a couple of years.

    As I figure it, the year 2012 will either come and go or we will be eating our food supplies in the basement while the plagues kill off the rest of the zombies. After this date, I do not plan on having a massive stockpile...in fact, I might even decide to go for a nice walk on the 25th of December if the sky is not falling. ;)
     
  9. gunbunny

    gunbunny Never Trust A Bunny

    A mason jar works well. I keep all of the unused O2 absorbers in one (with the color changing pill) untill needed.
     
  10. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    O2Req1.

    A chart to help folks figure out how many oxygen absorbers to use to flush out oxygen. Your O2 packets should tell you the storage unit size they are for in cc measurement. Using O2 absorbers isn't always the best route, and you should explore all options.

    An easy way to remove oxygen without O2 absorbers is to drop a small chunk (about the size of a quarter) of DRY ICE into the top of the bag, compress out as much air as possible and seal it. You could also flush with compressed gas such as nitrogen or argon, but that's an expensive route.

    Info on using dry ice for food storage:
    Using Dry Ice To Preserve Your Food

    If you are storing dry powder like pancake mix, I wouldn't use dry ice. It will be fine for rice.
     
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  11. Illini Warrior

    Illini Warrior Illini Warrior



    take some advice from an old old timer that lived thru the dry ice storage era .... don't .....
     
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  12. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Don't what? Don't use dry ice? Please explain.
    I have used it before, I don't like the process, but we have neat inventions today called "plastic" and "mylar", you might want to catch up. :p
    [sarc1]
    Seriously though, please explain. Just saying you are old and "don't" only aggravates some people. We live in a country controlled by fascist corporate government and despotic rule. We only got this way because the elderly trust their government and believes it works.
    [sarc2]
    So, if there's no fantasy, mystery or spooky ghost stories involved, I would genuinely like to hear exactly why you think dry ice should be avoided at all costs. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2014
  13. oldawg

    oldawg Monkey+++

    In the 70s dry ice storage was the new high tech way for preppers. Then the pitfalls began to show up. Mostly due to condensation on humid days. Mold would show up. Burn on some things if the ice came into contact. Bricking of fine ground foods if prepped on humid days.Jars that exploded if you didn't make sure the dry ice was depleted before sealing. Not always getting enough dry ice in the jar to completely displace the oxygen. Not always being able to get it when you needed it. Vacum pack and freezing and/or using O2 absorbers and freezing with modern bags before storing is more reliable and less hassle. Would still use dry ice if it was all that was available as the failure rates seem about the same.
     
    Brokor likes this.
  14. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Yeah, we know all this stuff. The cautions and dangers are in the link for dry ice I included. I want to know what further knowledge Illini can impart. He just says "I'm old, trust me, don't" well he's got to have something for us. ;)
     
  15. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    I was talking to a local on food storage. He said that depending on your location you don't need to consider condensation. I am in a state that has little humidity, so I was advised I didn't need to take steps regarding that. He said the Southern states need to prep their foods with condensation in mind.
     
  16. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Yup, but from what I have gathered, condensation requires oxygen to be present, so if you don't have any oxygen in the container you are storing, no condensation may form. But, lots of folks (including myself) do store some foods in containers without removing all oxygen...so it would be a most relevant point to consider. Generally, where you have temperatures fluctuating, you can get condensation. It can occur almost anywhere -in a desert or a more moderate climate in Ohio, and I am guessing one or two days of the summer up where BTPost lives... ;)

    Just try to keep your food stores at or below 70 degrees F and out of the sun!
     
    Motomom34 likes this.
  17. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    Case extant, using CO2 as a purge may NOT displace water vapor as readily as it does other components of the atmosphere. If it doesn't, you can expect condensation inside the container. Fact just might be that the CO2 will freeze the water vapor in the container which then won't be purged. Dry to start is the only sure way, methinks. Dunno, never done it --. Makes better sense to purge with inert gas, or put an O2 absorber in the container and vac seal. Thus spake me, and maybe me only.
     
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  18. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    I completely and entirely agree.

    On another note, I was gonna try to put together a risk assessment guide to using O2 absorbers, but wasn't entirely sure how to go about it. Maybe I can get it started and some of you folks with more experience could add to it? I would like to make it clear and concise so the newer folks don't get all lost in translation.
     
    Motomom34 likes this.
  19. CATO

    CATO Monkey+++

    Facts & Myths About Do-It-Yourself Dry Food PackingLearn To Prepare – Expert Emergency Preparedness Information

    (other linked article specific to absorbers: Using & About Oxygen Absorbers - Learn To Prepare - Expert Emergency Preparedness InformationLearn To Prepare – Expert Emergency Preparedness Information )

    Facts & Myths About Do-It-Yourself Long Term Dry Food Packing
    By Denis Korn

    This updated article that was written earlier and linked at various places on this blog, has created a great deal of interest. It has become even more important as the economy has stimulated preparedness planners to be as cost effective as possible and pack-their-own. Another reason for revisiting this article is to clarify some of the misinformation that has has appeared on other blogs, forums and You Tube. As I have stated in numerous posts on this blog – Who do you trust? Why? I encourage all serious preppers to do their homework and research for themselves the accuracy of what so often is circulated on the internet as factual or reliable.

    In my 38 years of preparedness consulting, manufacturing and marketing I have never seen so many instant experts with inaccurate information, and so many marginal websites selling questionable products – especially food!

    I once again invite my readers to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments.

    FOOD STORAGE PACKING
    The purpose of this article is to present specific details and recommendations for packing your own shelf stable foods for food storage, including what works and what doesn’t in creating an oxygen free atmosphere for long term food storage, and the common misconceptions of how to do your own packing will be covered. While there are many different types of dried foods that can be stored for extended periods of time, most folks are interested in how best to store grain, bean, vegetable, and fruit products.

    Some material will be repeated in this article that has been covered in previous articles concerning the use of oxygen absorbers, storage conditions, and 30 year shelf life claims. While I could write a book on every specific detail of every packing option and all the technical specifications of all available packing containers, it is not the purpose of this article. I will cover important highlights, facts, insights, and information gained from over 38 years in the preparedness and outdoor recreation industry. It is important to keep in mind that I have not only been a retailer of preparedness and outdoor foods, I have been a manufacturer, developer of hundreds of recipes, packaging and product innovator, and researcher of shelf stable foods.

    Some of the material presented here will contradict and challenge information available on the web or in some do-it-yourself circles. Many people assume preparedness information to be accurate without careful consideration of the expertise of the source or the validity of the facts. I encourage you to research on your own any of the information presented in this article – or in any article for that matter – and to use basic critical thinking skills to evaluate the evidence and data you are offered. A little common sense goes a long way in assessing many of the claims being made about shelf life and do-it-yourself issues. I talk about the issue of trust and reliability in my articles: Who do you Trust?, The Research and Evaluation Process, and Purchasing Food Reserves – The Essential Questions.

    Basics
    Before you start packing your foods, be clear about what it is you want to store and for how long. Are the foods appropriate for your plans? If you need to rely exclusively on your stored foods, will your digestive system be able to properly process and assimilate what could be very different foods than you normally eat? Do you know how to prepare them? Do you have an adequate quantity? Do you have all the equipment necessary to prepare your foods? What is the nutritional quality? Do you know how to sprout the whole grains, beans and seeds that you have stored for additional essential nutrition? I suggest you study the key foundational information in my article Beginning and Improving Preparedness Planning.

    This is an article dealing with dry food products with a low to very low moisture content – depending upon the item usually between 2 and about 10 %. Products can include grains, beans, seeds, dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, seasonings, and powders and flours.

    Grains and beans can be whole or processed into numerous forms. Keep in mind that when a whole grain or bean is processed it can compromise the integrity of a natural barrier, expose any oils, and begin a process of oxidation or rancidity leading to a shortened shelf life. Some processed bean products, such as TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) have been defatted to insure a longer shelf life, and some grains have naturally lower oil content. Because of the position of the germ in rice, brown rice is not appropriate for long term storage. Also, because white flour has no wheat germ, it will last significantly longer than whole wheat flour. Research the products you are storing to determine both the moisture and oil content.

    What are the goals and expectations for your food preparedness planning? What are you hoping to accomplish and for whom and how many? How realistic are your plans? How long do you want your stored foods to be palatable – edible – nutritious – agreeable? Are you caught up with the fixation for a 25-30 year shelf life? Do you really want to rely on 25 year old food? Be honest. I once again refer you to another very helpful article in assisting you in preparedness planning: http://learntoprepare.com/articles/the-12-crucial-questions-of-preparedness-planning/

    Why oxygen free?

    At the end of this article I have included information on the 6 critical conditions for storing food. In this section we explore the need for an oxygen free atmosphere when storing food for long periods. Basically there are 2 reasons for wanting to store food in an oxygen free environment: First – eliminate the possibility for infestation from insects and microorganisms, and second, control oxidation, which leads to the rancidity of fats and oils, foul taste, off color, and nutritional deterioration. The lower the oxygen levels – the more effective in preserving the integrity of the foods stored. Some foods are more susceptible to oxidation deterioration than others. It is important to know how susceptible the foods you are storing are to oxidation, because as you will see the type of container you store your foods in may at some point no longer be an adequate oxygen barrier.

    Research by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, the inventors of oxygen absorbers and manufacturer of the Ageless® brand absorber, indicates that in an oxygen free atmosphere (their absorbers can reduce the residual oxygen level in the proper container to 0.1% or less) all adults, larvae, pupae, and eggs of the most prevalent dry food insects are killed within 14 days.

    If oxidation and elimination of all stages in an insect’s development by eliminating available oxygen is not an issue, there are other methods that can be utilized with varying effectiveness in controlling insect infestation. Options include:

    • Exposure to freezing temperatures for an adequate length of time (this may kill adults and larvae but not all eggs)
    • Using bay leaves and other aromatic herbs to inhibit insect reproduction
    • Using food grade diatomaceous earth to kill adults (the microscopic very sharp texture of the particles pierce the bodies of the insects and they dehydrate and die). In this case the live adult must come into contact with the diatomaceous earth. Some folks put the material on the bottom of a container hoping the insects will go there, while others coat all the contents of a container with a fine layer of material and wash it off when it is time to consume the food.
    Methods of reducing residual oxygen levels when you pack your own
    Utilize an oxygen absorber – properly (see the article Using and About Oxygen Absorbers)

    Pro:

    • Very effective in reducing residual oxygen levels – in my opinion it is the most effective technology available today.
    • Relatively inexpensive and easy to use if done properly.
    • Harmless components – iron oxide.
    • Easily obtainable.
    Con:

    • This product was developed for use by professional food companies who understand how to properly use and store it. There are important guidelines which must be followed for the absorber to work properly and not lose its effectiveness. The do-it-yourself person will defeat the purpose of using this technology if the guidelines and instructions are not properly followed. It is imperative that the absorber user obtain all necessary information from a qualified supplier on its correct use. (Using and About Oxygen Absorbers)
    • The absorber user needs to do their homework and make sure the correct sized absorber is being utilized for both the size of the container and food product packed.
    Insert a wand into a pouch, can, bucket, or jar and attempt to replace the atmosphere by squirting it with nitrogen (the most commonly used inert gas)

    Pro:

    • Fairly easy to do
    • Relatively inexpensive
    Con:

    • Without the proper testing equipment there is no way for the pack your own person to know the residual oxygen levels of their containers. If the levels are too high, you have defeated the purpose for which you intended. How much nitrogen to use and the length of time to insert it into the container are both speculation and assumption. Do you want to rely on guess work?
    • When removing the wand and sealing the container some amount of oxygen will be introduced into the container, which will affect the atmosphere in the container.
    • To achieve the desired effect of a very low residual oxygen level this method has many weaknesses. (NOTE: Before the days of the oxygen absorber, companies such as mine used elaborate equipment designed to draw a vacuum and nitrogen flush in a chamber. The goal was a residual oxygen level of 2% or lower, because this was the military specification for long term storage of foods in a #10 size metal can. Even with the proper equipment reaching these residual levels required experience, testing, and effective methodology. Can “wanding” by hand achieve these levels?)
    The dry ice method – There was a time (and there may still be) when folks would put dry ice at the bottom of a container, leave the lid slightly ajar, wait for the ice to evaporate, and then seal the lid. This method has so many problems that I won’t bother to give it pros and cons. It is not recommended.

    Use a home model vacuum sealer with either a plastic pouch or available attachment to put over a jar

    Pro:

    • Equipment is easily accessible.
    • Can be effective for short term storage.
    • Easy to use.
    Con:

    • Equipment and extra pouches can be costly.
    • The vacuum pulled (measured in inches of mercury) may be helpful for short term use, however is neither strong enough nor effective for a long term storage requirement. The pouches and jar seams are not designed to hold a vacuum for extended periods (longer than 1-2 years). Used primarily for extending the life of foods when stored in a refrigerator or freezer.
    Go to a cannery – You can do your own canning of your own product in #10 metal cans. Some canneries will sell you bulk foods.

    Pro:

    • Very effective method for long term food storage – metal cans are the best containers.
    • Depending on the cannery, costs can be low for using the equipment.
    • You can easily insert an oxygen absorber into the cans for maximum shelf life.
    Con:

    • While metal cans are the most effective containers, they can be costly and difficult to obtain in smaller quantities.
    • Canneries are not readily available to most folks – most are sponsored by members of the Mormon Church, check on usage and membership requirements, hours of operation, and costs at each cannery.
    • You’ll need the proper vehicle to transport bulk foods and cans.
    Use a manually operated or electric, smaller, model open top can seam sealer

    Pro:

    • Very effective method for long term food storage – metal cans are the best containers.
    • You have significant flexibility as to when to use the sealer, and with whom it is to be shared.
    • You can easily insert an oxygen absorber into the cans for maximum shelf life.
    • They are easy to use once you get the hang of it. (I have one myself)
    • Can be cost effective if used by a club or group.
    Con:

    • They can be expensive.
    • You must do your homework and determine the best manufacturer and model.
    • You must make sure you are operating them correctly and that the seams are being sealed properly.
    • You need access to a supply of cans.
    Containers
    Of all the issues relating to packing your own shelf stable foods, the most effective container to use can be the most confusing and misrepresented. As stated in the beginning of this article be clear about what you are storing, how much, and for how long.

    Plastic buckets (HDPE – high density polyethylene) – 5 and 6 gallon round and square sizes with handles are very popular for packing grains, beans, and other commodities in bulk.

    Pro:

    • A convenient container to store larger quantities of dry foods – stores and stacks well, is compact, and can be carried easily.
    • Inexpensive new and can be obtained used from a number of sources.
    • A thick walled (90 mil) container with the proper gasket can be used effectively to control the atmosphere within for up to 2 to 3 years.
    • Can be used in conjunction with foil pouches for convenience of storage.
    • Insects don’t easily penetrate the thick walls.
    • Can withstand some rough handling.
    • Because insects at all stages are destroyed within about 14 days, the short term effectiveness of using an oxygen absorber to create an oxygen free environment is useful.
    Con:

    • HDPE is a permeable (porous – albeit microscopic) material and gas transmission rates (the length of time gases such as oxygen will travel through a given material) indicate that it will take 1 or 3 years for the atmosphere within the bucket to match the atmosphere outside (our normal atmosphere is normally about 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen with a very small amount of other gases such as carbon dioxide). This means that if you started with an oxygen free or low level to begin with, that over time the oxygen level in the bucket will continue to increase until it reaches parity or equality with the normal atmosphere.
    • If you want the atmosphere to remain constant inside your container, or be oxygen free for extended periods of time, HDPE plastic buckets are not appropriate – check with the manufacturers (as I have done) and find out their specifications and recommendations for your needs and the specific container you want to use.
    • The ability to maintain whatever atmosphere you desire within the container will depend not only on the quality of the HDPE walls, but also the integrity of the gasket seal.
    • HDPE will absorb odors and they will eventually permeate into the contents of the bucket. Direct packed foods will also absorb the odor. Do not store plastic buckets in areas that have a strong smell. (NOTE: Foil pouches within a bucket will prolong the odor absorption)
    • Rodents and other animals can easily break into plastic buckets.
    • Not recommended for long term storage (3+ years) of directly packed foods.
    Pouches – There are literally thousands of possible combinations of materials and sizes available to create a pouch that will contain food. Normally a food manufacturer or packer goes to a company that specializes in manufacturing pouches and gives the company their specifications and requirements for the specific foods to be packed.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: It is common these days among those who sell empty pouches for food storage, or food already in pouches, to use the term “Mylar pouch.” This is very misleading. By itself the term can mean anything and it tells you nothing of importance so that you can make the appropriate decisions on what pouch to use. The “Mylar” brand is the registered trademark name of a PET polyester film manufactured by DuPont Teijin Films. They produce hundreds of variations of this polyester resin material. It is a component used in the production of many variations of packaging material. It can be clear or opaque such as in wrappers for food bars or Mylar balloons – that look “metalized” yet contain no foil. Mylar by itself is not an appropriate material for long term pouched food. Ask you supplier what they mean when they say “Mylar.”

    For those reading this article the requirements needed are to pack dry foods for the long term. If you buy stock pouches from a distributor you need to tell them what you plan to put in it and what your expectations are for the long term. You should insist on knowing the specifications (especially the gas and vapor transmission rates) of the pouch and whether they suit your needs.

    If you want a pouch that gives you the longest possible shelf life for your foods, you will need a laminated pouch consisting of multiple components and layers. As far as pouches are concerned, one of those layers must be thick foil (NOTE: All plastics are gas and vapor permeable – some rates are very high – meaning that gases transmit through them very quickly – and some plastics both individually and in combination have slower rates). Only quality foil is a non-permeable gas and moisture barrier – that is foil without microscopic holes – called pin holes)

    Ask the distributor the specifications of the pouch, the different components used – not only for barrier properties but also for durability, the transmission rates if not foil, if foil its thickness, and the reliability and reputation of the manufacturer.

    Pro:

    • The variety of available sizes offers flexibility in choices of quantities to store.
    • Costs are reasonable.
    • Can be effective as a short term oxygen free container.
    • Small pouches of food can be very useful for bartering and distributing among those in need during in an emergency.
    Con:

    • Not recommended for very long term packaging of products for an oxygen free environment. Shelf life of pouched foods is recommended for 3 to 10 years depending on type of food product, storage conditions, handling, and composition packaging materials.
    • Excessive or rough handling, loss of seal integrity, and pressure of sharp edges on the pouch from the products within can create “pin holes” (microscopic holes in the pouch material) that eventually will cause gases to be transmitted through the pouch (NOTE: I am concerned when I see and hear some folks instructing people to cram and squeeze foil pouches into plastic buckets).
    • Rodents and other creatures can easily penetrate pouch material.
    Metal cans – For food storage purposes #10 size (about 7/8 gal) and #2 ½ size (about 7/8 qt) are the most popular used with the proper can sealers. It is possible, if you keep searching, to find 5 gallon square metal cans with a large pressure lid on the top side. These are ideal for bulk food storage, although they may be hard to find (NOTE: I sold these cans packed with foods at AlpineAire Foods about 20 years ago). You also may want to consider clean or new metal garbage cans as a means to store smaller size foil pouched foods.

    Pro:

    • Ideal for long term food storage. The atmosphere within the cans, with the proper sealing, can remain oxygen free indefinitely.
    • Metal is non-permeable for gas and vapor – a zero transmission rate.
    • Difficult for rodents or animals to penetrate.
    • Can withstand some rough handling.
    Con:

    • Costs can be higher than other materials.
    • Extra attention must be given to proper sealing.
    • Some metal containers may be difficult to obtain.
    • Some cans may rust if exposed to moisture.
    Glass

    Pro:

    • Excellent for long term food storage. The atmosphere within the jars, with the proper sealing, can remain oxygen free indefinitely.
    • Glass is non-permeable for gas and vapor – a zero transmission rate.
    • Difficult for rodents or animals to penetrate.
    • Easily obtainable and relatively inexpensive.
    Con:

    • Very fragile – must be stored and handled with care.
    • Practical only in smaller size containers.
    Personal recommendations and tips for long term pack your own food storage
    First choice – if possible store foods in metal cans with the proper size oxygen absorber

    Second choice

    • Pack foods in a heavy duty foil laminate pouch with the proper size oxygen absorber. I prefer using a variety of smaller size pouches rather than one large pouch.
    • If you seal the pouch with an iron – as opposed to a commercial impulse sealer – make sure you know the proper method to use. If your seal isn’t adequate you are wasting your time and money using an absorber.
    • Place the foil pouches carefully – to avoid “pin holes” and seam damage, into another larger plastic or metal container (NOTE: Sturdy cardboard boxes will do if infestation from insects, rodents, and other animals is of no concern). This will facilitate handing and storage.
    • When you use the proper size oxygen absorber in a foil pouch it will create a slight vacuum and the pouch will tighten up somewhat (Remember you are not creating a complete vacuum that would produce a brick hard pack, you are only removing about 21% of the air volume – it will be absorbed by the iron oxide in the oxygen absorber sachet).
    • Periodically – especially in the first two weeks – check on the pouch to make sure it still looks tightened up. If at some point it looks normal, then the integrity of the pouch has been compromised and the atmosphere in the pouch has equalized with the outside atmosphere.
    I see no point in putting additional oxygen absorbers into the plastic bucket or container in which the foil pouch is placed.

    Third Choice

    • If you have a smaller quantity of dry goods to store and you can protect or store foods safely – use glass jars. Either half gallon size Ball canning jars or one gallon size jars – both need lids with a small rubber seal on the lid to create an air tight container.
    • Drop an appropriate size oxygen absorber in the jar then seal it tight.
    • Store away from light.
    Tips

    • I do not recommend using the nitrogen “wand” method of atmosphere replacement in pouches, plastic, or metal containers if you want to create a truly oxygen free environment. NOTE: Beware of commercial food companies selling pouched food products that claim a 25 year shelf life because they “nitrogen flush” their pouches.
    • The oxygen absorber properly used is the best method for creating an oxygen free environment.
    • Certain foods packed for long term storage may not need an oxygen free atmosphere. I have covered the reasons for creating this type of environment earlier, and your specific needs may focus only on containers and storage conditions.
    • I do not recommend storing commodities in their original paper or cloth sacks or boxes for the long term – unless you possess a very secure and unique storage facility. The important issue here is infestation and environmental influences such as heat, moisture, and other airborne contaminants.
    • Periodically inspect your food reserves for any sign of infestation or contamination.
    • Read my article on Using and About Oxygen Absorbers.
    Storage Conditions
    There are six conditions to be aware of when storing food for emergency preparedness food storage, or outdoor recreation. The foods being referred to in this post are shelf-stable freeze-dried, dehydrated, dried commodities. Optimal storage conditions can also be applied to wet pack: retort, MRE’s, canned goods, and other specialty longer term wet pack foods.

    NOTE: The six conditions listed are chosen because these are factors in which we have the control to optimize for the longest reliable shelf life. TIME is the one factor that we can not control – and it does have a significant effect on the shelf life of various foods. Nutritional value is lost with many foods over time. To know with certainty the viable nutritional value of all food reserve items at any given time after a lengthy period of storage – is at best complex or most likely mere conjecture and guesswork. What we can do is to apply proper planning procedures – do your research with trusted resources, rotate and consume your storage foods, and be realistic about how long you will really need the foods you choose to store.

    • Temperature- This is the primary factor affecting the storage life of foods. The cooler the better. 40 degrees-50 degrees would be great. Room temperature (65 degrees-72 degrees) or below is generally fine. Avoid above 90 degrees for extended periods of time. The longer food is exposed to very high temperatures the shorter the edible life and the faster the degeneration of nutritional value. Note: There are some “foods” available for emergency preparedness that are known as “emergency food or ration bars.” These products are generally referred to as “life raft bars” because they were originally designed for life rafts and can withstand high heat for extended periods of time. They primarily consist of white sugar and white flour, and were not meant to be the sole source of nutrition for a long period of time.
    • Moisture- The lower the better. Moisture can deteriorate food value rapidly and create conditions that promote the growth of harmful organisms. The moisture level contained in foods varies depending on the type of product it is. Have foods in moisture barrier containers (metal, glass) in high humidity areas. NOTE: “Mylar” bags or plastic buckets are not a long term (over 3 years for buckets and 10 +/- years for bags) moisture or oxygen barrier. The moisture and gas transmission rates through these materials vary depending upon the specifications of the manufacturers. Plastic absorbs gases, moisture, and odors. NOTE: Be careful where you store dry foods in cans. Very cold flooring or any condition where there is a dramatic temperature differential may cause a build up of condensation inside the container.
    • Oxygen – A high oxygen environment causes oxidation, which leads to discoloration, flavor loss, odors, rancidity and the breakdown of nutritional value in foods. It also allows insects to feed on dried food reserves. Without oxygen, insects cannot live, nor can aerobic (oxygen dependent) organisms. Whole grain and beans have natural oxygen barriers and can store for long periods of time in low humidity and if free from infestation. All other processed grains, vegetables, fruits, etc. must be in a very reduced (2% or less) oxygen environment for long term storage. NOTE: Mylar bags or plastic buckets are not a long term moisture or oxygen barrier. The moisture and gas transmission rates through these materials vary depending upon the specifications of the manufacturers. Plastic absorbs gases, moisture, and odors. The best long term storage containers are glass and metal.
    • Infestation – Examples include rodents, insects in all their stages of growth, mold, microorganisms, and any other creatures that get hungry – large or small. The proper packaging and storage conditions are required to control infestation and not allow critters to both get into the food, or have the necessary environment for them to flourish if they are sealed into a container – such as in the form of eggs or spores.
    • Handling – Rough handling can not only damage the food itself, but it can also adversely effect and compromise the integrity of the container in which the food is stored. Glass of course can break; any pouched item can develop pin holes, tears, or cracks. The seams on buckets and cans can be tweaked, twisted, or damaged to allow oxygen to enter the container.
    • Light – Food should not be stored in direct sunlight. Both for the potential of high temperature, and its affect on food value. Sunlight directly on stored foods can destroy nutritional value and hasten the degeneration of food quality, taste, and appearance. Foods packed in light barrier containers do not pose a problem with the affects of light.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 26, 2015
    Ajax, stg58 and ditch witch like this.
  20. Ajax

    Ajax Monkey++

    Back from the dead!

    Good info. Am I reading that right that foil laminate bags are only good for 3 to 10 years? I thought they would last much longer than that. About three years ago I packed a bunch of dry goods in good quality bags with O2 absorbers but it according to that I will need to repack them in the next few years.



    Here is another question for you guys/gals. I have been interested in using the tins and dry canning then with O2 absorbers. Is there anywhere to buy the cans and a canner device reasonably? I searched on Amazon and didn't find anything, I might be using the wrong terms.

    I have heard that about finding a local Mormon center and called them at one time but never went through with it. Is that the best bet to buy can's and use their canner? It would be nice having one of my own though.
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2014
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