Food Preparation and Storage Guide
T H E F O O D S A V E R U S E R M A N U A L
25
Blanching
Where to
Recommended
Vacuum
Normal Storage
V
E G E TA B L E S
Times
Store
FoodSaver
Packaged
Life
(without
Container
Storage Life
vacuum packaging)
Asparagus
1
1
⁄
2
to 3 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Whole kernel corn
4 to 5 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Corn on cob
6 to 11 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Snow peas
1
1
⁄
2
to 2 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Sugar snap peas
1
1
⁄
2
to 2 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Green beans
3 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Broccoli
3 to 4 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Brussels sprouts
3 to 5 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Cabbage
3 to 5 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
Cauliflower
3 to 4 mins.
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
2 to 3 years
8 months
T H E F O O D S A V E R U S E R M A N U A L
24
Preparation Guidelines for Vegetables:
◗
Vegetables should be blanched
before vacuum packaging. This
stops the enzyme action, which
will eventually cause loss of flavor,
color, and texture.
◗
Blanch vegetables by placing them
in boiling water or in the micro-
wave until they are cooked but
still crisp. Immerse in cold water
to stop the cooking process. Dry
vegetables on a towel, then freeze.
◗
To freeze vegetables in individual
servings, place them on baking
sheets and spread out so that pieces
are not touching. This way they
will not freeze together in a block.
◗
Place baking sheet in the freezer
for 1-2 hours until the pieces are
solidly frozen.
◗
Vacuum package in a FoodSaver
Bag and return to the freezer for
long-term storage. Remember, you
can microwave and boil FoodSaver
Bags right from the freezer.
◗
Strong-smelling vegetables emit
gases during storage. Therefore, they
must be stored in the freezer only.
Where to
Recommended
Vacuum
Normal Storage
F
R U I T S
Store
FoodSaver
Packaged
Life
(without
Container
Storage Life
vacuum packaging)
Apricots, Nectarines,
Peaches, Plums,
Freezer
FoodSaver Bag
1 to 3 years
6 to 12 months
All types of berries
All types of berries
Refrigerator
Canister
1 to 2 weeks*
1 to 6 days
*NOTE: Blueberries and cranberries will usually last about two weeks and softer
berries such as boysenberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries can
be stored for approximately one week.
Preparation Guidelines for Fruits:
For best results, before vacuum pack-
aging soft fruits or berries in a
FoodSaver Bag, pre-freeze for 1-2
hours or until solidly frozen. To
freeze fruits in individual servings,
place sliced fruit or berries on a
baking sheet and spread out so the
pieces are not touching. This way
they will not freeze together in a
block. Then vacuum package in
portions for baking, or in your
favorite combinations for easy fruit
salad all year round.
Keep berries fresh longer in the
refrigerator by repackaging them in
a FoodSaver Canister. You can open
the canister and take what you need
for snacks or fruit salad, then reseal
to maintain freshness.
