Freeze-dried foods are known to have a very long shelf life and this is determined by the method of storage. Freeze-dried food is commonly preserved using oxygen absorbers but what if these are not used? You may be asking yourself how long your freeze-dried food will last without them. In this blog, I will share with you how to store freeze-dried food without oxygen absorbers and how long it will last.
Let’s start!
Understanding Freeze-Dried Food Shelf Life
Freeze-dried food is also famous for its long shelf life, which is why people prefer it for emergencies and storing it for a long time. Freeze-dried food can last between 10 to 25 years when stored correctly. However, the lack of oxygen absorbers alters the situation. Without them, freeze-dried food is more exposed to oxygen which greatly shortens its shelf life.
Indeed, freeze-drying removes nearly all the moisture from food, which is crucial because moisture allows bacteria, mold, and enzymes to thrive, leading to spoilage. By eliminating water, freeze-dried food becomes inhospitable to these spoilage agents. However, oxygen can still cause oxidation, a chemical reaction that degrades fats and vitamins, leading to rancidity and nutrient loss. Oxygen absorbers are used to prevent oxidation, but without them, the food is more vulnerable to these chemical processes, shortening its shelf life.
How Long Will Freeze-Dried Food Last Without Oxygen
Even when oxygen absorbers are not used, freeze-dried food can remain good for several years, although the exact time is relative to several factors. The type of food, packaging material, and storage conditions all affect the shelf life of freeze-dried food without oxygen absorbers.
In general, freeze-dried food that does not contain oxygen absorbers will last between 1 to 5 years. This is considerably less than the 10 to 25 years made available from oxygen absorbers, but it is adequate for most uses. The secret is to keep the food in the proper environment that will allow it to last longer.
The Importance of Proper Storage
Storing is important when it comes to the preservation of freeze-dried food and even more so when oxygen absorbers are not used. The three basic elements that need to be controlled include heat, light and water.
- Temperature: You should keep your freeze-dried food in a dry and dark area of your home.
- Light: Light affects the nutritional value and taste of the food and therefore should be avoided after some time. To avoid this, store your freeze-dried food in black plastic bags or in some other area where light cannot penetrate.
- Moisture: Water is the biggest foe of freeze-dried food. In the case of water getting into the packaging, the food is likely to rehydrate and become spoilt.
The Use of Mylar Bags
The custom printed Mylar pouches bags are preferred for long-term storage of foods since they are less permeable to gases and protect the foods from moisture and light. When Mylar bags are used in combination with oxygen absorbers, freeze-dried food can last for about 25 years and more. Nevertheless, Mylar bags can also offer good protection to freeze-dried food even if oxygen absorbers are not used.
If you are storing freeze-dried food without oxygen absorbers, using mylar bags will go a long way in extending the shelf life of the food. The food can remain good for several years in Mylar bags especially when stored in cool, dark and dry places. However, it should be mentioned that the shelf life will still be less compared to the packaging that has oxygen absorbers.
What Not to Store in Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are suitable for storing most types of foods, however, there are certain foods that should not be stored in Mylar bags, especially if oxygen absorbers are not used. Meat, nuts, and legumes that contain fats should not be stored in the Mylar bags for a long time without oxygen absorbers. These foods can easily become rancid within 3 to 12 months because of the presence of fats. These foods are best stored in other kinds of receptacles or eaten within a shorter period of time.
Can You Freeze-Dry Meat?
Indeed, meat can be freeze-dried, and this is one of the most preferred methods of preserving food for a long time. Nonetheless, freeze-dried meat is more prone to spoilage in the absence of oxygen absorbers because of fat. If oxygen absorbers are not included, freeze-dried meat should be eaten within 1 to 2 years. When you wish to store freeze-dried meat for a longer duration, it is suggested to use oxygen absorbers or store it in vacuum bags to minimize the chances of spoilage.
How to Store Antibiotics Long-term
It is important to note that storage is also an issue with other items such as antibiotics. It is recommended that antibiotics should be kept in a cool and dry place and should not be exposed to direct sunlight or moisture. Similar to freeze-dried foods, the shelf life of antibiotics is also influenced by the storage conditions. If you are planning to store antibiotics for future use then it is better to store them in vacuum sealed bags or any airtight containers.
Summarizing
It is possible to store freeze-dried food without oxygen absorbers, but this has to be done with great consideration of the environment and conditions under which the food will be stored. However, the shelf life will not be as long as it would be if oxygen absorbers were used. Nevertheless, freeze-dried food should ideally last between 1 to 5 years when properly stored. The important thing is to store the food in a cool, dark, and dry place and use high-quality bags, such as Mylar bags.
