[folly5678]

Hi,

I have a couple of questions to you guys/gals who have tried different methods of storing dry goods.

I know the best method from reading posts is 5 gallon sealed buckets with oxygen absorbers.

What about storing rice and oatmeal in 4 mil food saver bags? It sucks the air out. Critters can't live in them since no air. Moisture can not get in. I packaged the oatmeal 4 serving to a bag and then put them into buckets or storage containers.

I just food saved 10 lbs of oatmeal. It had a normal shelf life of 2-3 years on the box so in the bags I figure it can double.

I want to 50 lbs of rice next.

Is this a good way? Will the bags hold up?

What do ya'll think?

Thanks

 

[NateW]

I dunno, I just got a food saver and kinda want to use it with mylar bags, anyone done this?

 

[TnMountainGirl]

I have been storing my food this way for years and have never had any problems. Just check your bags from time to time to make sure they are still vacuum sealed. If you notice that any air has escaped then you will need to re-vacuum and seal. However, I have never had to do this.... This method does work for foods you want to store for up to 5 years ... For foods that you want to store for longer term the 5 gallon sealed buckets with oxygen absorbers or mylar bags is the way to go. (Also, throw in a few bay leaves before packing...Bugs hate bay leaves and it will not change the taste or smell of your food. I also put a bay leaf in my vacuum sealed bags for extra protection from bugs)

 

[countryboy123]

There are a lot of good ways to store dry foods.

I have used 3 liter drink bottles for several years, actually a decade now. I use them to store white rice, pinto beans, and other dry beans mostly.

I am currently going through rice that was stored this way in 1998 and it is still fresh and good to eat. I can find no difference in the rice stored this way and the brand new rice I am replacing it with.

If you can, pack the rice or beans on a day that is drier than normal. Or you can add an oxygen absorber to the bottle or something similar if humidity is a problem for you.

Another important factor here is storage conditions. Make sure the place you use to store your dry foods is cool, dry, and not subject to large changes in temperature and humidity. I store my stuff in my house, and away from direct sunlight and this works fine.

I have some mylar bags but havent gotten around to using them yet.