CHAPTER 37 - SEALING METHODS & ADDITIVES

Nitrogen pack is considered to be the gold-star method of food storage allowing for the longest shelf lives, but it is a little more expensive, time consuming, and laborious process that many people would rather not use if not completely necessary. 

Instead, oxygen packets and/or desiccant packets can be almost as good as nitrogen sealing. 

Oxygen packets will absorb the oxygen in a container that significantly slows the growth of bacteria and mold within that requires oxygen for growth. 

These packets begin to work as soon as you remove them from their original packaging so it is wise to work quickly when sealing food containers in order to allow the oxygen packets to work as well as they are designed to. 

These are purchased in different sizes and are used in different-sized containers accordingly.  Rough rule of thumb is to use 2,000 cc’s of oxygen absorption packets for each 5-gallon container. 

While these packets are not edible, they are non-toxic and will not change the taste or smell of the food they are protecting.

Desiccant packets are used to regulate the moisture content of sealed containers, but they do not absorb the moisture completely. 

They are especially important for use when storing food in humid environments as those areas require additional sealing aspects for food safety that drier climates do not often need. 

While desiccant packets are inedible just as the oxygen absorption packets, unlike the oxygen ones, desiccant packages are extremely toxic and if they break and the materials within come in contact with any of the food in the container, the entire container of food should be thrown out as contaminated. 

Some items you store in bulk such as salt, flour, or sugar should not be stored with desiccant packets as they need more moisture in the container than is present if a desiccant is used. 

When you try to use the packets in those items and similar, they will turn into a hard brick that is virtually unsalvageable and unusable.

One of the ways scientific advancement has improved methods of food storage is with the discovery of the benefits of food-grade diatomaceous earth. 

It is composed of fossilized remnants of diatoms and looks similar to white flour.  It is organic and safe for human consumption and will prevent bug infestations when included in the food storage containers. 

It is suggested that 1 cup of diatomaceous earth be added for each 25 pounds of food for the best results.