Mylar bags have become a cornerstone in long-term food storage strategies, particularly among preppers, homesteaders, and anyone interested in preserving the shelf life of their food. Understanding how to properly use these bags, along with the types of desiccants and oxygen absorbers (commonly referred to as OAs or CCs for "conditioning components"), can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your food storage efforts. Here's everything you need to know to get started.
What Are Mylar Bags?
Mylar bags are made from a material called BoPET (Biaxially-oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate), which is essentially polyester that has been stretched for added strength and reduced gas permeability. These bags are favored for their ability to block light, moisture, and air, thereby protecting their contents from spoilage and extending their shelf life significantly.
How to Use Mylar Bags
1. Choosing the Right Mylar Bags:
Mylar bags come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 3.5 mils to 7.5 mils. Thicker bags offer better protection and are more suitable for long-term storage of foods that might have sharp edges, like pasta.
2. Preparing Food for Storage:
Before packing, ensure your food is dry and at room temperature. This reduces the risk of condensation inside the bag, which could lead to mold growth.
3. Filling the Bags:
Fill the bags, leaving enough space at the top to seal them effectively. It's important not to overfill as this could prevent a proper seal.
4. Adding Desiccants and Oxygen Absorbers:
Desiccants, like silica gel, help control moisture inside the bag. Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen from the air inside the Mylar bag to prevent oxidation, which can degrade food over time.
5. Sealing the Bags:
Use a heat sealer to seal the Mylar bags. A good seal is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the desiccants and oxygen absorbers.
6. Labeling and Storing:
Label each bag with the date and contents. Store the sealed Mylar bags in a cool, dark, and dry place to maximize shelf life.
(Best mylar bag brands to look for)
ShieldPro Advanced Mylar Bags - Known for their high-quality Mylar bags that come in various sizes and thicknesses. ShieldPro offers options suitable for everything from small quantities of spices to large quantities of grains and beans.
Dry-Packs Mylar Bags - Offers a wide range of sizes and are often praised for their ability to maintain the freshness of stored food. Their bags typically feature a thicker composition, which helps in preventing punctures and ensuring a tight seal.
PackFreshUSA - This brand is popular among both home users and commercial packers. They offer Mylar bags with different barrier qualities and often include oxygen absorbers as part of their packaging solutions.
Pleasant Grove Farm - Known for their high-quality bags that are designed to be both tear and puncture resistant. They offer a variety of sizes and their bags are often used for storing bulk foods.
Wallaby Mylar Bag - Wallaby distinguishes itself with bags that include many user-friendly features like zip seals and labels for easy marking. They also provide robust oxygen absorbers tailored to the size of the bag.
Impak Mylar Bags - Specializes in high barrier bags that are ideal for a wide range of applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial uses. Their bags are known for their strong sealing capabilities and excellent protection against moisture and light.
Oxyfree Mylar Bags - They provide excellent oxygen and moisture barrier properties, making them a good choice for sensitive items like dehydrated foods and emergency supplies.
Foods Suitable for Mylar Bags
Grains: Rice, wheat, barley, and other cereals.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas.
Flours and Powders: Wheat flour, cornmeal, baking powder.
Pasta and Noodles: Ensure sharp edges are not puncturing the bag.
Dried Fruits and Vegetables: Properly dehydrated to remove as much moisture as possible.
Spices and Seasonings: Keep flavors fresh and prevent clumping.
Coffee and Tea: Preserve aroma and flavor.
It's important to avoid storing foods with high oil content, such as nuts or chocolate, in Mylar bags for long periods, as the oils can go rancid.
Types of Desiccant Bags
Silica Gel: Most common, effectively adsorbs moisture and is available with indicators that change color when saturated.
Clay Desiccants: Less expensive but perform better in higher temperatures.
Calcium Oxide: Best for very low moisture foods.
Types of Oxygen Absorbers (CCs)
Iron-Based OAs: These are the most commonly used in food storage. They chemically react with oxygen to remove it from the air.
Ascorbic Acid: Not as common and typically used in specific food processing scenarios.
Enzyme Absorbers: These are used for niche applications and are not typically suitable for home food storage.
When used correctly, Mylar bags can significantly extend the shelf life of many types of dry foods. By pairing these bags with the right desiccants and oxygen absorbers, you can ensure your food remains fresh, nutritious, and ready for consumption, even years after storage. This makes them an essential part of any long-term food storage plan.
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