The shelf life of food largely depends on the way it is preserved, and the method of preservation determines the rate at which the microorganisms which cause food to spoil grow. Certain foods require airtight storage to limit the growth of microorganisms. One way this can be done is through the use of vacuum packing; a method that ensures all microorganisms that cause food to spoil are expelled during packaging. This maintains the hygienic properties of the food for a long time. When food is packed through this method, the shelf life can extend by up to 3 -5 times.
Let us compare the difference in shelf life for food preserved in a conventional manner versus when it is maintained using vacuum sealing. However, it is also important to note that apart from the preservation method in use, the type of food and the place used to preserve the food will also affect the shelf life of the food; these places can be in the pantry, in the refrigerator or in the freezer.
Meats
Different meat dishes will spoil at different times depending on the type. Chicken meat, for instance, will stay fresh for between 6-12 months when kept in conventional storage and between 2 – 3 years when preserved using vacuum sealing. On the other hand, fish will be fresh for 2-6 months on the typical storage, compared to 2 years when maintained using vacuum sealing.
Vegetables and fruits
Vegetables will when stored conventionally for up to 8 months while their shelf life will extend to between 2 and three years when preserved under vacuum sealing. Similarly, fruits will keep for 6-12 months under conventional methods of storage and between 2 to 3 years when they are vacuum sealed.
Coffee
Coffee takes a very short time to get spoiled when preserved conventionally. It will lose most of its rich aroma and taste in about two weeks. However, when it is stored under vacuum sealing, the same will maintain its richness for up to 2 years.
Cereals
Cereals can last between 2 and 3 months fresh when stored using conventional means, but their shelf life may extend to between 6 and 12 months when the vacuum sealing method is used.
Baked Foods
Baked meals such as rice dishes tend to remain fresh for about 6 months when stored conventional means of storage are used. On the other hand, when vacuum sealing is used the same meals will last between 1 and 2 years.
Cooked food items
These usually take between 1 and 2 weeks for them to remain palatable when they are preserved using conventional means. However, Vacuum sealing extends this period by up to 4 weeks.
These values, however, are rough estimates and a lot of factors have to be put into consideration to ensure that the food remains fresh for this long. The primary factor that one should consider is the condition of the storage appliance such as the refrigerator in use. If you are not sure that its performance is optimal or if the food goes bad quickly, contact a reliable fridge repair company. We are the leading company when it comes to appliance and fridge repairs in Cape Town. Contact us on 087 551 0817 for the best solutions at affordable rates.
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