FoodSaver Vac 550 - Manual (Page 14)

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
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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
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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.