Vacuum sealing soup is an excellent way to store and transport your favorite soups for an extended period. This method will help you extend the shelf life of the soup, save you money, and prevent wastage. In this post, we’ll show you how to vacuum seal soup, the equipment you’ll need, and some essential tips to make the process easier.
Equipment Needed
Before vacuum sealing your soup, you’ll need to gather the following equipment:
- A vacuum sealer
- Vacuum bags
- Your soup of choice
You can purchase a vacuum sealer from any home appliance store or online. There are many types of vacuum sealers available in the market, but for soups, it’s best to go for a handheld or countertop vacuum sealer.
When it comes to vacuum bags, you have two options: sous vide bags or heavy-duty freezer bags. Sous vide bags are the best for vacuum sealing soup because they’re more robust and can withstand higher temperatures than freezer bags. However, freezer bags are an affordable alternative, and they work well too.
Preparing the Soup for Vacuum Sealing
Before you start vacuum sealing your soup, it’s essential to prepare it correctly. Here are the steps to follow:
- Cool the soup – Let the soup cool down to room temperature before vacuum sealing it. This step is crucial because hot soup will melt the vacuum bag and compromise the seal.
- Remove solids – Soup with solid ingredients like meat, vegetables, or noodles can be challenging to vacuum seal. It’s best to remove the solid ingredients and keep only the broth.
- Leave headspace – Leave at least one inch of headspace at the top of the bag. This space allows for the soup to expand as it freezes, preventing the bag from bursting.
Choosing the Right Vacuum Bag
When it comes to vacuum bags, there are many options to choose from. However, not all bags are suitable for vacuum sealing soup. Here are the types of vacuum bags to consider:
Sous vide bags
Sous vide bags are the best for vacuum sealing soup because they’re more robust and can withstand higher temperatures than freezer bags. They’re also BPA-free, which means they’re safe for storing food. These bags are available in different sizes, so you can choose one that suits your needs.
Heavy-duty freezer bags
Heavy-duty freezer bags are a great alternative to sous vide bags. They’re more affordable and readily available in grocery stores. However, they’re not as strong as sous vide bags, so you’ll need to double-bag your soup to prevent leaks.
Vacuum Sealing the Soup
Once you’ve prepared your soup and chosen the right vacuum bag, it’s time to vacuum seal the soup. Here are the steps to follow:
- Place the bag in the sealer – Open the vacuum sealer and place the bag inside.
- Press the vacuum and seal button – Depending on the vacuum sealer you’re using, press the vacuum and seal button. The sealer will start removing air from the bag.
- Wait for the sealer to finish – The sealer will stop automatically once all the air is removed from the bag, and it’s tightly sealed.
- Label the bag – Before storing the bag, it’s essential to label it with the date and contents. This step will help you keep track of the soup’s age and ensure you use it before it goes bad.
- Store the bag – Once labeled, store the bag in the freezer. The soup can last up to six months in the freezer, depending on the type of soup and how well it’s vacuum-sealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I vacuum seal soup with solids?
Yes, you can vacuum seal soup with solids like meat, vegetables, or noodles. However, it’s best to remove them before vacuum sealing the soup. Solid ingredients can puncture the vacuum bag, making it ineffective at keeping the soup fresh.
How long can I store vacuum-sealed soup in the freezer?
Properly vacuum-sealed soup can last up to six months in the freezer. However, this depends on the type of soup and how well it’s vacuum-sealed. It’s best to label the bag with the date you sealed it to keep track of how long it’s been stored.
Can I reuse vacuum bags?
It’s not recommended to reuse vacuum bags because they may have bacteria or residue from the previous use. If you want to save money, consider buying reusable silicone bags designed for sous vide cooking.
Can I vacuum seal hot soup?
No, it’s not safe to vacuum seal hot soup because it can melt the vacuum bag and compromise the seal. Always let your soup cool down to room temperature before vacuum sealing it.
Conclusion
Vacuum sealing soup is an excellent way to store and transport your favorite soups for an extended period. This method will help you extend the shelf life of the soup, save you money, and prevent wastage. To vacuum seal soup, you’ll need a vacuum sealer, vacuum bags, and your soup of choice. Remember to prepare your soup correctly, choose the right vacuum bag, label the bag, and store it in the freezer. With these tips, you can enjoy your favorite soups anytime, anywhere.
