What Foods Cannot be Vacuum Sealed?

There are many foods you can vacuum seal for extended freshness. Some of them include breads, meats, vegetables and potatoes.

But unfortunately, there are a handful that you should not preserve using this method. Some foods contain anaerobic bacteria, which can grow without the presence of air. Within a vacuum sealed pouch, with reduced oxygen, these bacteria will grow and may pose a risk to your health.

Do not vacuum seal:

  • raw mushrooms
  • garlic
  • soft cheeses (blue cheese, brie, camembert, ricotta and other soft and unpasteurized cheeses)
  • freshly cooked or steamed vegetables (safe to vacuum seal after they are at room temperature)

In addition, many common vegetables emit a gas when stored. If these vegetables – in the Cruciferae or Brassicaceae family – are kept in a vacuum sealed bag, this gas will cause them to spoil. To store these vegetables properly they should be blanched, dried, then vacuum sealed and frozen for storage.

Blanch first:

  • arugula
  • bok choy
  • broccoli
  • brussels sprouts
  • cabbage
  • cauliflower
  • kale
  • radishes
  • turnips

We hope this helped you and if you have any topics you would like us to cover please let us know.