Store and Thaw

• You can preserve meat indefinitely in a FoodSaver freezer bag or vacuum-sealed container, which saves money because it allows you to purchase meat in bulk and freeze portions of it to reheat at a different date. The FoodSaver website suggests using the vacuum seal bags to help control portion size at meals. By vacuum sealing portioned meals such as pastas, meat or desserts, you can help discipline yourself into a healthier lifestyle.

Discard

• FoodSaver bags and containers are reusable in the case of bread, grains, vegetables and fruit. Containers that have stored meat and fish, however, should be discarded to protect against bacteria. You can thaw meat and fish stored in a FoodSaver container, but do this only in the refrigerator. Do not allow these items to thaw to room temperature. Though FoodSaver containers are airtight, they are not sterile and may still contain bacteria that can cause food-borne illness.

Freeze

• Red meats will turn brown when frozen in a FoodSaver bag, which should not alarm you as the meat is reacting to the lack of oxygen in the bag. It is still safe to cook and eat. Sometimes when a meat or poultry darkens in the freezer, it is due to air exposure or freezer burn. Look for punctures in the bag or unsealed portions of the container lid, which may result in dry, tough meat once the food is reheated. According to the USDA, freezer-burned meat is safe to eat, though dry meat is unpleasant tasting and difficult to chew. If raw meat was kept in a bag that was improperly sealed, juices containing bacteria may have dripped onto other foods. For this reason double check seals or double wrap when storing meat and fish.

Marinade

• One feature of a FoodSaver vacuum sealer is quick marinade, which is handy when having to suddenly prepare beef, vegetables, poultry or pork without the ability to marinade the food for hours. The quick marinade cycle on the FoodSaver vacuum sealer holds the vacuum and then releases it for 30 seconds at a time, allowing the meat to rest. The quick marinade process lasts 10 minutes rather than hours in a bag in the refrigerator.

Considerations

• Never try to use a FoodSaver vacuum sealer to seal bags other than the FoodSaver bags. FoodSaver bags have been specifically designed and approved by the FDA for use with the vacuum sealing device. Other bags can melt or leach chemicals into your food. Though you must discard bags that held meat, you can still rinse and recycle them following the municipal codes of your city. FoodSaver bags are safe for use in the microwave. If you are attempting to cook raw meat in the microwave, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.