I have a confession to make: until a few months ago, I didn’t understand the FoodSaver craze. I’ve known of FoodSaver systems (my mother has used one for years) and I see the deals (which are often fantastic!), but to me it just seemed like a way to freeze and store meat. Well, my family doesn’t eat much meat (particularly at home), so I never really saw the use. Then, FoodSaver contacted me about working with them at the Green City Market in Chicago. I really like the company, so I was totally on-board. That was when my real schooling began and now – I’m totally hooked!!
While we were at the Green City Market, the idea was to show consumers how they could use the FoodSaver system to vacuum seal their produce. I had never thought of this before and I was super excited to learn more! Here’s the thing that I didn’t know:
“The FoodSaver System keeps food fresh up to 5x longer than ordinary storage methods like zipper bags, foil, plastic wrap and containers. Air is the enemy of freshness and primary cause of freezer burn and dehydration in foods stored in the freezer, refrigerator and pantry. Ordinary storage methods trap air inside, causing food to lose flavor and nutrition over time. FoodSaver vacuum sealers remove and lock out air and moisture using specially-designed bags and canisters to prevent freezer burn.”
Let me tell you – a healthy third of the produce I buy ends up in the garbage. My kids love strawberries one day, but don’t like them the next. Cherry tomatoes are the hot item today, and not at ALL the next. Ooookay. And because my husband and I don’t want to eat the produce that we think the kids will want to eat, it ends up going bad. One of the things that I learned with the FoodSaver is that you can actually vacuum seal your produce so that it lasts much longer! This is HUGE!
Here is the biggest tip that I learned: When you are looking to store produce that you think you’ll be using over a few days or weeks, use a Gallon Sized Bag or create a large sized bag with your roll. (Look at the blueberries in the bag above to get an idea) When you’re ready to take some out, slice your bag open as close to the seal as you can. Take out what you plan to use that day and then reseal the bag. After that, throw them back in the fridge! When you’ve finished the produce in that bag, put it on the top rack of your dishwasher so that you can use it again! Yes, it’s dishwasher safe!
After the market was over, I came home and literally vacuum sealed half of the contents of my fridge! It has changed the way that I view produce in particular. I have thrown away less in the last few weeks than ever before, and I plan to keep doing it. No one can afford to throw away so much food, so let the FoodSaver help you help yourself. Seriously, you’re gonna love it!
*Fine Print – This is a sponsored post on behalf of FoodSaver. All opinions and statements are my own. Photo Credits: David Bloch.
Alli is a Chicago based wife and mother of two children. She has turned money-saving into a game and enjoys searching out the best deals to help you save money! Alli shares her insight, tips and up-to-the-minute deals for local and national retailers and brands. Her hope is that you will play the game and learn to save money at the same time!