Berkel 17074-0 Instructions Sur Le Fonctionnement page 45

fish, it is advisable to place the food on a paper towel and vacuum pack it with the towel in the bag. This
will absorb any moisture in the food. To preserve food like focaccia, crêpes and small hamburgers, stack
them on top of each other, placing greaseproof paper or film between each piece. This will make it easier
to remove some of the food, repackage the rest and replace it immediately in the freezer.
Vacuum packing for the fridge
For busy households, food can be prepared in advance, then vacuum packed and kept in the fridge for
use at different times, ready to be heated as and when necessary.
Vacuum packing for the larder
Even foods that can keep at room temperature (like, for example, coffee, flour, pasta, sugar, etc.) can
benefit from vacuum packing. If these products are to remain unused for several days, such as when
you go away on holiday, it is advisable to protect all foods by vacuum packing. They will keep better and
moisture, mould and insects will not attack and ruin them.
Defrosting bags
To defrost vacuum packed food such as meat, fish, fruit, vegetables or other delicate foodstuffs, place it
on the lowest shelf in the fridge to defrost slowly; bread and focaccia should be left at room temperature,
while soups or other liquid foods should be immersed in hot water still in the vacuum bags until they
reach the right temperature. When you leave food at room temperature or heat it in a bain-marie, make
sure you cut one corner of the bag to let the steam escape. When the food has been defrosted, it must
be consumed immediately. Do not re-freeze it.
Repackaging pre-packed food
Many foodstuffs, like cheese and meat, are sold pre-packed in factory-prepared vacuum bags. To retain
the flavour and freshness of these foods, repackage them in bags after the factory package has been
opened.
Pre-packed foods must always be consumed by the use-by date shown on the original package. They
must also be handled with the greatest care and hygiene when repackaging.
Useful tips...
- For food with tapered ends or sharp edges, like bones and spaghetti, pad the edges with paper towels
to prevent perforating the bag.
- Fragile and delicate foodstuffs like strawberries, crackers or biscuits should be preserved in containers.
- There are many non-food products which can be vacuum packed, such as camping equipment including
matches, first aid kits and clean, dry clothes. You can even preserve the emergency triangle in the car.
Silverware and collections can also be vacuum packed to protect the items against oxidation, etc.
HOW TO PRESERVE FOOD IN CONTAINERS
Warning: Do not use plastic or glass containers that are not suitable since they could implode under
the vacuum pressure and cause injury.
Freezing in containers
To freeze food in plastic containers use original containers or, in the case of glass receptacles, used
tempered glass suitable for freezer temperatures.
Vacuum packing food in containers
Vacuum packing in containers is ideal for products that you use frequently. Dried foodstuffs like pasta,
rice, flour, sugar, crisps, savouries or biscuits, and pet food, will maintain all their shape and freshness.
Salad foods and vegetables can be cleaned for the whole week and kept in a container. They will remain
firm and fresh. To absorb excess moisture, fold a paper towel and place it on the bottom of the container.
Warning: Liquids must be cooled before vacuum packing. Hot liquids will expand and leak from the
container during depressurising.
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