Maximizing Food Storage Shelf Life
Have you ever considered why we do certain things to help our food last longer? Why do we often keep leftovers in sealed containers? Wouldn’t it be nice if breads and rolls didn’t get stale when left out of the package? Why is it often necessary to refrigerate foods containing dairy or other ingredients? The answer to all of these questions is simple: food doesn’t last long if we don’t store it properly. So how do we ensure that products in our long term food storage will stay good for years to come? We first need to understand what causes food to go bad. There are 4 main factors that influence the shelf life of the foods we eat every day:
Light
Just like a colorful piece of fabric will fade over time, food can break down with prolonged exposure to light. Light causes food to spoil because it breaks down the pigments, nutrients, and flavors of the food. It is important to understand that all food is exposed to light to some degree. For example, fruits and vegetables actually need sunlight to grow! However, prolonged exposure to direct light sources can cause food to spoil faster than those kept in the proper environment.
Oxygen
It may seem almost counterintuitive that oxygen, one of the key elements we need to live, can cause food to spoil more quickly than normal. However, just like our need of oxygen to breathe, many types of bacteria and mold need oxygen to thrive as well. Foods packaged in airtight containers with the oxygen removed will last far longer than those exposed to the air. Our products are flushed with nitrogen when packaged to remove excess oxygen. An oxygen absorber packet is then placed in each package before it is sealed to keep the product fresh for years.
Moisture
Moisture is a huge factor affecting how long food can last before spoilage. Many ancient techniques for food preservation are centered around solving problems that come from moisture. For example, salting meats and other food products is an effective preservation technique because it removes excess moisture and creates an environment where mold and microorganisms are unable to thrive. However, with the advent of modern techniques like freeze drying, food preservation has reached an entirely different level. Freeze drying removes nearly 99% of the moisture in food without compromising its structure, flavor, or nutritional value. This is why freeze dried products are ideal for long term food storage.
Temperature
The final factor affecting the longevity of food is temperature. At Fresh and Honest Foods, we package our products in cans and Mylar pouches that help maximize their usable shelf life. Our quality packaging seals the product completely from light, a nitrogen flush and an added absorber packet keep food from being exposed to oxygen, and an airtight seal prevents excess moisture. Temperature is the only key factor remaining. When you receive your order from us, the ideal storage area is a cool, dry place that is not exposed to direct sunlight. To ensure maximum shelf life, avoid extreme hot/cold temperatures and keep your storage area between 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Following these guidelines with your food storage products will ensure that your food will be good for years to come! Check out our large selection of freeze dried products like fruits, vegetables, entrees, baking mixes, snacks, and more! Fresh and Honest Foods also carries a large selection of food storage products for all allergy and dietary needs.