How to Vaccuum Seal Dry Goods

Do you like canning or the idea of canning? This method of canning is simple and less messy. Read this blog to find out how I take bulk dry foods and vacuum seal them into mason jars.

I recently invested in a vacuum sealer and honestly, I don’t know why I didn’t sooner. I don’t know about you, but new things can be a little intimidating. As usual, I was happy I made the purchase. I have learned that it will come in handy when we harvest turkey and deer this year and make freezer preparation easier. I was extremely thrilled when I realized that I could vacuum seal mason jars.

First, you will need to purchase a vacuum sealer. If your vacuum sealing mason jars you will also need a special attachment. You will also need to purchase mason jars and lids. I like the half gallon jars because they hold a lot. I also like using the quart sized mason jars; but that is also a personal preference.

Steps to Vacuum Sealing:

• You will need to clean and sterilize your mason jars. I sanitize my jars by boiling them in a big pot of water for 10 mins. Your jars will need to be fully dried before adding food to them. This is an important step. Pack your jar with the food of choice. Leave about a half an inch of headspace.
• You can always add an oxygen absorber pack to your jar. This is optional. but will help absorb any extra moisture that may be left after the sealing process.
• Wipe the rim of your mason jar clean but make sure it’s dry before you start the vacuum sealing process.
• Place the jar lid on your mason jar and make sure it is centered and sitting properly on the jar rim.
• Place the jar sealer over the mason jar. It will gently “snap” into place and should fit over the jar securely.
• Plug the accessory cord into the accessory port on your vacuum sealing machine. Plug the other end into the port on the jar sealer.
• Press the “suction switch” button on your machine. Your machine will turn on and will begin suction.
• Wait until your machine stops applying suction. You may hear the seal click too. Remove the lid sealer from your jar by gently pulling straight up.
• The jar lid should be sealed, and you can test the seal by holding the jar by the rim of the lid and making sure that the “button” on the lid is fully depressed. Store mason jar without the ring lid. It could interpret the seal and cause moisture to get inside your jars and that will create bacteria.
• Date and label your jar.

What Types of Foods Can I Vacuum Seal:

• Pasta
• Beans
• Nuts
• Coffee
• Cereal
• Rice
• Oats
• Dehydrated Foods
• Marshmallows
• Freeze Dried Foods
• Grains
• Milled Products
• Chips
• Crackers
• Chocolate

How Long Do Foods Last in Vacuum Sealed Mason Jars

Foods are shelf stable in vacuum sealed mason jars for 10-13 years. If you add an oxygen absorber to the mason jars, your food is shelf stable for up to 25 years. You will need to store these jars in a cool, dark place.

You could also get creative and make mason jar salads and vacuum seal them, so they stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. This is a great inexpensive lunch option for a working adult.

Make sure you store your dressing in a separate container, so the salad doesn’t become soggy. Below are so ideas of make ahead salads.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post. Remember, I’m not an expert so please research and watch videos on experiment and/or food recipes. My purpose on my website is to share my canning journey with everyone.

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