How to vacuum seal virtually anything without using any single use plastics.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Vacuum sealing food, completely plastic free!
Vacuum sealing dry foods can extend their shelf life by years, but typically uses a lot of disposable mylar or plastic bags that are single use. It's completely unnecessary, it's possible to use your vacuum sealer on virtually any jar that's commercially made. You can seal lentils, pulses, herbs and spices, cookies, flours, even chocolate. They can be resealed over and over, making something that's generally thrown away into a major asset in the larder.
Please note, this technique is not a substitute for heat canning or pressure canning. It must not be used for wet foods. This is only suitable for dry goods.
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I have bought a couple vaccuum sealers at Goodwill for $2.99 each. And bought the container at yard sales new in the box for $1 each. Happy to see this video- cause I didn't know about this!! Thank you!!!
What an amazing bargain! Well done.
The reviews say the tube is a weak spot that is prone to need to be replaced. To ease my fears I never unhook it from the top of the cannisters lid. I just unhook it at the machine.
This is awesome BTW!
One of the best tips I’ve come across as someone with not a lot of disposable income Mason jars aren’t an option. I only wish I hadn’t sent all my previous supermarket jars to the recycling centre but I am starting to save them now, bought the cheapest food saver I could (€20) and will be doing this from now on, thanks so much👍🏻
This information is brilliant. I heard someone in a video say you can go to the recycling center and get all the jars you want. It’s worth a shot!
And reuse ur Ziplok bags, I've been doing it for about 30+ years without any problems. Of course, I use new ones for gifts and potluck, etc.
Just use glass and stop using plastic all together @@susanp102
@@susanp102, How do you create a good enough seal to pull with a ziplock bag?
@@boa1793 Sorry, I was being too general. I don't try to vacuum seal zip lock bags, but I do wash and reuse them. Hate to see all that plastic going in to the land fills.
One point to note: check the inside of the lid. If the ring on the inner edge is damaged it wont work. Also, wipe some white vinegar around the edge of the jar and the ring of the lid. This cleans both properly and ensures a good seal first time.
Have been doing this for years. I managed to get the cannister shown and a set from Andrew James in different sizes. I can buy dry goods in bulk and break them down into useable amounts. I also like to buy large blocks of cheddar cheese, grate it and vacuum seal it. Last and lasts in the fridge.
Alrhough the kit is fairly expensive, it does save money long term buying in bulk.
For those who don’t want to spend a lot of money this is the way to seal your jars for free. Wash the jar and lid (do not dry, leave wet), and put in an warm oven ( the lowest setting on your oven) for about 30 minutes. The jar and lid are now sterile. Put your product in the jar and seal. As the jar and lid cool, the lid will seal. Every jam makers knows this.😊
That's a fantastic technique it's true, but it requires more time, an oven, and it doesn't create a vacuum.
It is sealed but not vacuumed and the difference in temp creates condensation inside the lid, which can create mould.
I do a lot of quick canning with big pots of homemade soup. If you put the soup in the jar boiling hot and slam the lid on quick, it will create a vacuum as it cools, like with the jam. Sugar is also preservative. Soup is more sensitive and if there are any bacteria, they can start growing and create gas that breaks the vacuum. So, I let cool and then store the canning jar soup in the refrigerator. I use any jar that didn't seal well by the next day. It is not as good as full canning, but it does extend the life of the soup in the refrigerator and we don't have to get sick of it eating it all at once and it is really nice to have a big jar of soup when you've had a busy day and don't have time for cooking. I also sometimes quick sterilize with steam coming out of my tea kettle with a nice spout, but you do need silicone oven gloves. (Tea kettle steam is a good way to peel tomatoes, too)
@@OWK000 That creates a slightly lower pressure in the jar, but not a vacuum because the air is not removed.
@CairnOfDunnCroftPermaculture as for sterilizing the jar, dishwashing at 65° should do it, shouldn't it?
Brilliant; I wouldn't have thought of sealing a glass jar within a vacuum cannister; huge thanks.
I have found that I get a better vacuum if I don't "crank" down the lid too tightly before going in the chamber. This makes it easier for the air in the jar to get out and equalize with the atmosphere immediately outside the jar. Just a light touch to hold the lid in position. Once the air is allowed back in the chamber, air pressure pushes that lid down tight. The way to tell is if you can see the lid bow upward (bulge) when pulling a vacuum, it's on too tight. Also, using a vacuum gauge, I discovered that the maximum vacuum I can pull with my $150 Foodsaver machine is only 22" Hg. That is not anywhere close to a complete vacuum which means there is still oxygen in the jar. I place an oxygen absorber in the jar just before pulling a vacuum to hopefully remove any left over oxygen.
Thank so much for your advice I’m so new to all this I feel lost or even frustrated trying to get good advice on here my most resent disasters was I did 20 pounds of potatoes and 30 pounds of carrots in a water bath watching it on utube ughhh what a complete disaster and waste of money no one said you need to pressure cook thous thought because it was all over the internet it was safe and the first cans I opened three days later only just to try them they had gone skunking and ranched so getting correct and safe methods is so valuesbke to someone like me learning everything because my parents died when I was but a young girl and even though my mom canned everything I was still to young to see the amazement and savings as I got older so now in these uncertain times may 31/2022 it’s a must to learn all you can to prepare yourself thanks again for clarifying this topic for me greatly appreciated. Kindest regards from Calgary 🇨🇦 Canada
What does "pulling a vacuum" mean? That's a new term to me.
@@christinaoliveryoung6019 - The process of using an air pump to move move air OUT of a vessel rather than pumping air into a vessel (such as a tire or a basketball).
@@aprilcarr8079 Your doing great. Keep acquiring skills and you will be fine. God bless 😊
Can anyone tell me the name of this type of canister the gentleman is using here?
Mind. Blown. Had the same canisters for a while now, without a real clue what to do with them. Seemed a waste just to store one thing in each. Thank you _SO_ much!
I really like the Pump N' Seal system since it is affordable, is non electric, and it pulls a surprising 28 inches of Hg (way more than food saver and other non commercial systems).
Hi 😊 where did you find the pump N Seal ? Please
@@elaineweitz2595 as far as I know, it is not available in stores but they do have a online site/store. Links usually get a comment blocked on TH-cam comments, but if you search for "pump n' seal food vacuum system", it should come up pretty fast. Good luck.
@@elaineweitz2595 YT keeps erasing my replies to you for some reason. I wrote one near when you first asked me, and just wrote another one 10 minutes ago. It's weird and makes no sense. (You can find it on their site with the same name, also some other very "popular" places have it. One begins with "A".)
You are a clever, no-nonsense kind of guy. I appreciate you sharing this money saving trick. Thanks so much, sir. Greetings from the San Francisco bay area!
Thanks!
That was brilliant!.. who would have thought to put a jar inside a larger ceiling container... But you did! Thank you so much for helping me to think out of the box.. I'm glad I found your channel, this is ELLE in Colorado USA 🏞️🤩🌹🙏Many BLESSINGS.
Wow this is the best tip I have seen for sealing jars! No poking holes! No fuff! Thank you so much!
Thank you!
I’m glad you said you can reseal things that are shelf stable, dry goods. That’s because if you vac seal anything that’s got any moisture in, at room temperature, it puts you at great risk of botulism (unless it’s super acidic, that’s another protection).
I’m a bit weary of nuts and moist dried fruit still, not sure how dry they really are, but a good rule is, if you’d normally put it in the fridge, you can’t just vac seal and leave it out on a pantry shelf. Botulism is a lethal thing and we’ve forgotten about it!
Hi, glad you agree. ☺️. Do you have any info on the moisture content of typical pantry stable foods, so we know what is safe to store vac sealed at room temperature? I’ve been looking at something called water activity, symbol is aw. I’ve found that botulism won’t grow below an aw of 0.93. Moulds and yeasts can go drier, but a typical dried veggie soup mix might be at 0.65, so safe to vac seal. But what about dried apricots, for example, they’re really quite moist. Do you have any scientific reassurance on this sort of thing? Thanks
Nuts have oils that can go rancid. Best to freeze them in small batches & defrost/use as needed
@@md61211
A fridge is cold enough for smaller amts sealed for 6 mths. Longer then yes freeze.
I’ve seen those containers to seal. Very nice! I wasn’t sure how to use, but I can do that! Thank you..😃 Michigan USA 👋🏻
Thanks!
Hi 😊 where did you find these please ? Thank you
Great money saver. Thank you so much for the great ideas
Thanks!
I never knew that jars come with a little. ‘Plinky bit’ in the middle of the lid that means you can reseal them. Thats so interesting. Thank you
Not all jars do, but it's a useful feature.
Brilliant!! Well now I want a vacuum sealer! Haha! I’ve always been put off by the recurring costs of use. But this makes it a lot more feasible! Thanks!! ❤😊
Thanks!
Great video full of good info. I'm going to have to give it a shot myself and see how it goes. The next step now is to make an acrylic tube for larger jars
Thanks!
i reuse my vacuum seal bags numerous times, just washing them gently and drying well. There does come a point where they leak, and then I cut them up and use them to seal bags that are not vacuum seal bags (which have a cross hatch on one side to facilitate pulling the vacuum). There are many good ideas to pull a vacuum--if it works, it works!
Rather than using a Food Saver vacuum sealer, you can use an inexpensive brake bleeder. It doesn’t require any electricity.
Single most valuable TIP I have seen for prepping and food preservation 👍
Thanks!
Seriously! I just spent a ton on my new food saver. This guy has some super saver tips!
@@MrThe1234guy thanks!
Well done! Very clever! I would point out to make absolutely certain that the inside of the jar and lid is perfectly dry. Any moisture at all will spoil the contents quickly. I love the ingenuity of this method. Especially for spices. Thank you!
Still might want to use plastic on some things in my tiny freezer for space conservation, but this is a great tip. There are a few things I should be storing this way.
Jars also run the risk of breaking, if your freezing anything liquid. Don't run that risk with plastic bags, or even tubs as long as you leave some headspace.
I'm having issues finding a canister for this use but love your video. I've been saving jars for 26 years for leftovers now I have another use! Thank you!!!
They still turn up on eBay, it's worth checking occasionally.
@@CairnOfDunnCroftPermaculture I totally just spotted a set on Amazon! Unfortunately they were wiped out as I was checking out... Thanks for the tip, Ebay it is.
Keep watching diligently….it took me awhile but I watched eBay and checked all the thrift stores. When I did buy on eBay I did a lot of research comparing the sizes because there is one extra tall size that will fit the largest mason jar and it’s not an easy size to find and it’s the most expensive one. Make sure you know your canister sizes that are printed on the bottom of the canisters because many “tiny” canisters sold online. Another thing I found is there’s a set of canisters that look almost identical but they are ONLY for storage not to use with removing air….don’t buy wrong ones. I love mine! So glad I bought them even used are working great!
I use a vacuum seal and a large old pickle jar as the chamber.
They are so hard to find. Also expensive.
When I fall asleep and God asks what I learned today, I shall point to you. Thanks I have all the accessories. Vavume sealer and the large jars. So glad I watched this before cleaning out the fridge, or I may have tossed wanted resealable jars.
Thank you!
I have seen this before, but I use a brake bleeder kit. Your explanation may have saved me some labor.
I saw someone else do that during the week, and I was just gobsmacked! Why didn't I try that yet, because as you say, using plastic sealed bags, yeah, nice, but it still ends up in the bin, and those big jars that came with the sealer are expensive, so yes, I'm going to be doing this from now on! Thanks!
I didn't know you can do this! It's so easy, and basically free, because you use empty jars, you would throw away!
It's a great technique!
Wow what a great idea! I have a vacuum sealer already think i need to buy me one of those jars!
This is good to know. I spend a small fortune on the rolls of plastic bags. That stuff aint cheap!
Thanks!
Thank you for making this video! Money saving, good for environment, effective.
I have a to of mason jars. Will they work?
I tried with a hand pumped vacuum box and it worked! The little buttons on jam jar lids popped back in like new and they have stayed popped in for the few days since the experiment.
I don't have the plastic container so I have a two peice sealer, the one he first showed plus a rubber base with a valve that fits inside that. I just put it on top of a large used pickle jar, that makes a chamber. Thank you for your video.
Fantastic!
Nice!!!
FWIW I have a couple of vacuum pumps in the shed that I use for resin impregnation and degassing for casting...
I made a vaccum chamber out of a section of PVC storm water pipe. Use a Perspex plate as a lid, use silicone around the edge to make a flexible gasket seal (you can use cling film on the perspex lid - make sure it's wrinkle free - and place that on the silicone bead to form a nice flat surface. If it DOES leak a bit, vasaline may help. Or do it again/repair that bit.
I have tapped gas (air tool) fittings into the side and the lid at various times - much better in the side - the PVC is far more forgiving and less brittle and easy to glue. I recommend something on the inside to divert the air when you open the valve because it tends to blow over anything inside if you let it off too quick.
Cost wise I'm not sure it's that much cheaper than the cookie jar keeper but if you already have the gear lying around,...
Fantastic, I have vacuum envy. I've looked into that previously, and will likely put one together at some point. The technique I use works well, but I admit I do love the ideal of a perfect vacuum.
Brilliant! Been put off by all the canning paraphernalia you need to get started, but I can do this!
informative. I have one of these sealers but don't use it, exactly, because of the plastic bags. I wasn't aware there was an attachment like this, and now I can actually find some use for that thing. Nice!
Glad is the way to go. I stored dehydrated veggies in glass and plastic with vacuum seals for over 3 years. The glass ones looked like the day I put them in. The plastic ones turned from green to brown. They were kept in a dark room. Glass for me!
Thanks for that!
That's Great! Thank you so much. Blessings from Linda in Georgia USA
As someone who has both a vacuum sealer (which I do use for sous vide and e.g freezing fish/meat in plastic bags) and a cabinet full of plinky lid jars this made me very happy.
No idea why I never considered it seeing as I've more or less done the same thing with other stuff. i.e put small thing to vacuum seal inside the big plastic jar.
Thanks. I already have that sealer with some large plastic sealing jars. You just saved me from building something to seal glass jars in. Now,why didn't I think of that! LOL!
Fantastic!
Just saw ur post. I didnt quite hear the name of the canister. Wld appreciate your help. Real good info. Thank you sir!!!
It's a Food Saver canister set, you can still find the one ebay sometimes.
This is really helpful. I was looking for a way to vacuum seal jars as the jar sealers from the US are too expensive. Thanks🤗
What a great idea! And I even have a few of those canisters around here! Things I never knew…. TY!
Fantastic!
Thank you. I had no idea I could reuse jars. I have been looking around for the vacuum seal equipment.
It's a pretty fantastic technique.
Chuffin' marvellous. Great idea.
There's plastic in the lid though, that's what makes the seal.
It's not single use plastic though.
Great video, I'm going to try this. I save all my plastic bags, including Ziplock ones, and wash them out and reuse them until they develop holes. I figure that I don't throw away my dishes once I've used them so why would I throw away good plastic bags. Ziploc bags can be resealed at the bottom if u don't want to open the top or can't, the top can also be resealed, and u can cut off the zip portion if it doesn't seal anymore. Ppl, stop throwing plastic in the garbage. The only time I use a new Ziploc is if I'm giving a gift or going to a potluck, etc.
That's fantastic! Well done.
Genius! Thank you for this! I had no idea I could reuse the jars that have lids like this from the supermarket!! Thank you so much!
It's an amazing technique!
This is brilliant! I’ve never gotten a vacuum sealer because I didn’t like the idea of all the bags.
It's been a game changer for us. I'm also using it to store seeds.
If your in the UK Lidl have vaccum sealers in for twenty pounds works brilliant
Just came across this video. Watched it. Sharing. Subscribing. Best I've seen on reusing jars.
Awesome! Thank you!
I hate waste! Thank you for showing this. My dietary needs have changed in the last few years so those special flours that I have to get, not white, will be great in that.
It's great for flours. I also use it for bulk spices.
I subscribed, for the accent😊 "bin the lid", love it.
Thanks!
Excellent; this was exactly the video I needed to explain how to reuse my jars!
Glad it's been useful!
@@CairnOfDunnCroftPermaculture what kind of machine do I need to seal jars
What machine did you use to seal beef in that jar after dehydration
@@suenoel1914 it's a food saver machine, and canister set.
@@CairnOfDunnCroftPermacultureYour use of Foodsaver with glass jars is inspiring. Like others, I cannot locate the canister. I suspect Foodsaver makes too much money selling plastic bags to offer the more sustainable and environmentally responsible process you use. Too bad!
I've saved pickle jars for years. They're great for dry storage... now that I know how to vacuum seal them, their utility will be enhanced.
Whispers, "Who stores chocolate for years?" I fell in love with you 😂
AWESOME!! Cheap, practical, and a great way to reduce one's environmental impact.
Wonderful ideas. I will definitely try reusing my jars.
Thank you so much! Excellent way to make your food last!
Brilliant! Jar within the Jar.
Just discovered this- can’t wait to try it. Thank you!
Fantastic!
Love this! Provided answers to 2 important questions: what to do with all these glass jars I’ve been saving for years and how many times can you say plinky in one video!
Plinky is an excellent word!
Thank you for the information. I have never seen lids like that here in the states.
They turn up on eBay occasionally. It's a food saver canister set.
Thanks very much for this video. We have a small sausage production business, so we're really looking for reusable packing ideas.
Thanks for the great tips. I love finding new ways to repurpose old things. I've been collecting these jars for a while but did not know how to make them airtight. This is a game changer!
When I first came across it I was amazed it's not something everyone knows! Every house should have one. Or, better still, something purpose made that will fit larger jars.
@@CairnOfDunnCroftPermaculture On Amazon I found a set of three of those food saver cannisters. The largest cannister's capacity is 2.3 litres so it might be possible to get a larger jar in that one.
That's the size I have. There are videos on TH-cam of DIY vacuum boxes big enough to do a few jars at once. I might give that a go.
@@CairnOfDunnCroftPermaculture Did you try this idea?
@@TwinkleToes2day Not yet, no. We're flat out this summer getting the site ready for customers, but it would be a great winter project.
Thankyou so much for this. Woo hoo I'm impressed. From Australia 😀😃🙂🙃😊
It's a very cool technique. It blew my mind!
Thanks for this tip! It seems so obvious, but apparently I didn't think of it.
I'd like to see a system designed for this.
Thanks a lot for sharing this bit of information 👍
Thanks!
That was a great idea....never thought of that.....Thanks !
I have a bag-sealer, but those bags most certainly do NOT go in the bin after one use! They go through the dishwasher multiple times, because they're not cheap, and I make them last as long as possible 😊
Make them big enough (if you have the sealers which use the "goffrierte" (don't find a translation from German to English - it's the expensive type with a structure inside) bags. They lose approx. 1 inch at every time they are sealed.
And I have one device for industrial sealing, as well as another one, quite outdated, for the old method of sealing smooth bags, regrettably not very good. But they work with any old bags from bread etc. I am single and I cut bread into three part, putting one of them into the freezer for the next few days. They are ideal for this.
Just avoid any with acid in it to min the level of chemicals leached into the food. Dry goods should be safe. Search it on online incl studies for more info.
Yes! Best for things like rice rather than chili pepper. Better yet to just use glass 🥰 @@jmc8076
Wow! That’s awesome! Makes me wish I still had my foodsaver! I donated it for the exact reason that I wasn’t going to buy the plastic anymore.
Thanks for being a thrifty Scot.
-from another thrifty person of Scots ancestry 😂
Thanks!
You can reuse your vac bags a number of times if you make your seal as close to the open end as possible and cut the bag open as close as possible to that seal line when you use the dry stuff in that bag. Rinse them out and dry well before storing the used bags. To help with your jars sealing, wipe down the jar rim with a damp paper towel and the seal material of the lid, which takes away any crumbs or dust that might compromise the seal. Also helps to not really crank on the lid until after the vacuum action and you take the jar out of the cannister, then go for the final tightening if it sealed properly.
This is brilliant, fella. Im glued to your channel!
Fantastic!
Check out Robert Murray-smiths channel if not already. He does some brilliant work with physics and practical things you can build, particularly for cost / fuel saving.
@@spudgun889 yep, I watch some of his videos.
Thank you for sharing this great info! I did not know we could do this. Happy!
Really liked the video, Brilliant! Also liked the comments, well done!
Thanks!
I love lace an glass So I was always saving my glass paranella not knowing what I was going to use them for Thanks Sir
Fantastic!
Awesome video. Gets to the practical point without any sales attempts. Gives good pointers. What more could one want?
Thanks!
i have used heavy duty plastic sheeting to seal food in, after i wrap in plastic wrap, usually the heavy plastic is sold in 9x12 sheets often found in the paint department, it works. also new tubing is available at the home repair shop or farm equipment place
My objective is to avoid using the plastic at all.
Love it , I have one of those, and had not used in a long time, needed a refresher course.
Thanks!
Invaluable information! You should have links to purchase these items online. Thanks!
I try to not link to websites like Amazon for ethical reasons, but thanks!
I learned something new today... thank you will be saving allot more food jars and lids and going to order a sealer container.
I'm always amazed that every home doesn't have one, it's an amazing technique.
That was a clever discovery.
It's a great technique!
Weirdly, I couldn’t find one of those in the UK, not that it matters as I don’t have a compatible vacuum sealer.
I ended up getting a battery powered jar sealer I saw on Sutton’s Daze, and I love it. I place jam jars inside a quart mason jar and use it to make the seal.
Thank you so very much for sharing this with us wow what a fantastic idea and it will save money also !!!God Bless you!!!❤
Thank you!
It's called a canister set for the food saver. How trick. Thanks for the video
Those vacuum seal cannisters come as a set with larger sizes that can hold larger jars. The set is $35 ish. But, it's a one time purchase that gets even better if you find them at a thrift store like I did.
Excellent find!
could you tell me the name of the set ? I'm currently looking for them :)
@@JaytheBae98 FoodSaver. But, there are other brands as well.
@@hopefulskeptic42 I had a look and online for a set was about 150 , was not about to spend that, found one by zwilling for about 80 but the product is handheld so it can be put away easier + it comes with bags and sizable lunch boxes
Love this video thanks ❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks!
Awesome. I,ve been researching vacuuming my weed stash!
hi russelles, have you become a flat earther yet?
Wow didn't know you could do this
I never seen such a jar like the big one 😮
It's a food saver canister set. They're getting hard to find but do occasionally turn up on ebay,
Los mejores 130 minutos invertidos en mi vida
Simple but fantastic idea...
Bloody awesome tip mate. Good one.
Thanks!
Thank you. Excellent video. "Who stars chocolate for years?" LOL.
Not me. But lots of other stuff, yeah.
Thanks!
Great idea. Thank you for posting.
Thanks!
Brilliant mate. Nice1. Pure nugget for me.
Thanks!
Wow! I didn't know that worked like that! Thank you for the video :)
Thanks!
Excellent Tip Thank You 💥
Thanks!
2023 Texas here. Nice video. Love your accent. Gonna try this
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this, such great info on your channel.
Thanks!
Perfect. I was looking for a way to vaccume seal my jars of collectable figurines
Great!
Thanks for the idea. I have been just reusing mason jars with the white vacuum sealing lids and a brake bleeder. I was hoping to figure out a way to use those other jars.
Fantastic!