"Vacumn" sealing items (was) RE: [at-l] Bagel experiment

[nealb@midlandstech.com (William Neal)]

-----Original Message-----
From: Papa Bear [mailto:papa_bear_nyc@yahoo.com]

I cut each (crosswise), put them in separate zip-lock bags and pressed them
flat.  I stored them at room temperature.

SUGGESION: I often buy in bulk and freeze.  Since I am single :-), freezing
the whole thing means some will sooner or later go to waste.  So I put
indiviual items or portions in a zip baggie, and "vacumn" out the air.
Pressing seems to "mess" up the product, or leave "a lot" of air in the
package.  

What I do is place the item in the bottom and near one side.  Then I stick
in a long straw and move to the side and as near the bottom as possible.
Then I seal the baggie up to and around the straw.  Then I suck the air out.
When the air is mostly out, I slowly pull the straw out as I suck; then I
seal the tiny remaining opening as I pull the straw out.

It ususally takes several sucks to get most of the air out & at times I have
to start over.  But it seems to get more air out than just pressing.  And
the food seems to last longer.

Oh for the day I can afford to go to Popel (sp?) or one of its infomercial
competitors and buy a vacumn sealer.