FoodSaver sent me their Liquid Block Heat Seal Bags which sounded fascinating to product test! The only problem? I am tech-challenged. The following is a very embarrassing tale of how to screw up something so simple and make it harder than it is.
Product Testing Part 1
In one box you get 12 Heat-Seal Barrier Bags which are supposed to prevent the bags from leaking and keep liquid away from the seal.
So what to product test with it? The product claims it is “a convenient solution for vacuum sealing juice and moist foods.”
On the bus home from a doctor’s appointment I saw that fresh chicken breasts were on sale and the foodie light bulb went on! Perfect choice for testing these bags.
I got out my FoodSaver Vacuum Food Sealer, the box of bags and my fresh chicken breasts.
The bags are multi-layer/ply material which creates an air-tight barrier around the food. This prevents freezer burn and for me, the best news? It is BPA free! These particular bags have a liquid block strip which is supposed to trap moisture at the top of the bag. I love that these are already prefabbed bags too.
So here is where it all starts to get embarrassing. I totally forget how to use the machine. I went back into bag-making mode and opened up the bottom to make the seal. Ugh, Suzie!!!
Then I realized, um, that does not make any sense. So I closed the machine and put the bag into the sealer and hit “Seal” button. Which did seal the bag but did not “vacuum” seal the bag. (Facepalm)
I cut the sealed part off and put it in the machine again but there was no longer enough space for the sealer to work. Frustrated and mad at myself, I looked at the Heat-Seal Barrier Bags for instructions. Nothing. I just could not figure it out. I decided to wrap them up in the bag and close it with an elastic band. How embarrassing and what a waste of product.
I tried again with the two other breasts. I pushed the button and it sealed but once again, did not vacuum seal the bag. Damn it! I put those chicken breasts in the deep freeze with the elastic-wrapped ones, feeling like a total bonehead.
Product Testing Part 2
Wild blueberries were on sale at my store which is very rare. I manage to get them home and realized…
I could not possibly use all of these in one sitting so why don’t I vacuum-seal and freeze some?
Which is exactly what I did. I washed and de-stemmed them. Then I put them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in one layer and froze them in my deep freezer.
I put them in another Heat-Seal Barrier Bag and found the manual for the vacuum-sealer. I could not believe it.
All I had to do was put it in… and wait! It vacuum-sealed all on its own. I was over thinking the entire process. Putting the bag in and letting the machine do all the work, worked like a charm.
Foodie Conclusion
When it doubt when using my FoodSaver Vacuum Food Sealer, let the machine do the work. It really is easier than I think it is going to be. Next? Does the liquid seal barrier strip really work?
I know more way to save food. It is very helpful