How to Vacuum Seal Zip Top Bags for a Longer Shelf Life for Food

Food storage is vital in a preparedness lifestyle. You don’t want to have too little food to get through an emergency situation, and you don’t want so much that you let it go to waste because you can’t use it quickly enough or track it.

The FDA has some relatively strict guidelines for the purchase and storage of food. (See the graphic here.) Do you always follow it? I know I can actually freeze eggs though these folks don’t recommend it. You can scramble them and freeze in ice cube trays or just plop them in whole. Though once refrigerated, eggs need to stay that way, but did you know that you can actually store farm eggs on the counter with no refrigeration? Butter, too (depending on your climate). I can also freeze cheese much longer than they say, without noticeable loss of flavor when used in dishes.

Nor does this graphic explain other ways to preserve food for a longer shelf-life like canning, fermenting, pickling or dehydrating. Sure, I understand that it’s what you buy off the grocer’s shelf and how long it can last, but you can make things last much longer with just a little effort!

The straw. Most of the time we give it so little thought as we throw it out with our fast food cup containers. But it can do so much more, especially in regards to food storage!

If you are one of those families that doesn’t have a Food Saver to vacuum seal foods, nor do you want to buy special plastic storage bags to fit the gadgets coming out on the market, think about using a clean straw!

How to “Vacuum Seal” Zip Top Storage Bags

Mike Lucero

Mike is a preparedness enthusiast, adventurer, and sports fanatic. He followed in his family’s footsteps and undertook training and education in disaster survival, home preparedness, and personal safety. When he is not out on his next adventure, Mike offers our readers a glimpse into how and what it means to live a prepared life.