Save your food and the environment with FoodSaver

According to Greenpeace, the average Australian produces 1.5 tonnes of waste in a year. Much of this household waste is avoidable – like plastic packaging and food waste. So how can we produce less? Here’s how I discovered the FoodSaver.

If you’re like me and constantly live off leftovers or meal prep for the week ahead, the FoodSaver system has been a huge lifesaver. Whether I’m storing cut avocados, cooked meat or freshly made salads, I turn to the FoodSaver to keep our food fresh for longer. Additionally, since using the kitchen gadget, my household produces less waste and saves more money on groceries. A win for me and a win for the environment!

How it works: FoodSaver VS7850

The FoodSaver® system keeps food fresh up to five times longer by vacuum sealing your food into containers or bags. Compared to ordinary storage methods such as zip-lock bags or regular containers, the FoodSaver system keeps air, moisture and oxygen out. In turn, less environmental factors affect your food, keeping it fresh. Therefore, you produce less waste, save money and do your bit for the environment.

While they have a range of products with various price tags, I am obsessed with the VS7850 (RRP: $299.00). It is the most premium FoodSaver machine with a stainless steel, compact design perfect for my kitchen! The all-in-one machine provides short and long-term food preservation, with built-in features to easily preserve food in the fridge, freezer or pantry. It includes a built-in accessory hose compatible with FoodSaver Fresh Containers and Zipper bags. As a bonus, it has an automatic marinate program to marinate your food quick. It also has a moist foods setting, roll storage and cutter. Best of all, it’s super easy to use with one touch operation.

Is it worth it?

Simply put, if you cook a lot or meal prep a lot – Yes! I don’t know how I lived without mine! The cost savings from less food waste definitely surpasses the cost of purchasing a FoodSaver. It preserves not just the food but also its taste – which, for a foodie, is a big deal. FoodSaver are the worldwide leader and innovator in vacuum sealing for consumers so you’re buying quality product.

What can you vacuum seal?

Almost all foods can be vacuum sealed. Here’s a list of ones that aren’t recommended:

Soft cheese – may mould faster in an airtight container
Raw bananas/ mushrooms – due to natural ripering these may decay faster in a vacuum seal
Whole apples – must be sliced and you can add a bit of lemon juice to prevent them from browning
Raw onions, garlic, cabbage or lettuce – these produce natural gasses that may result in a loss of vacuum
Freshly cooked or steamed veggies – hot steam from cooking may cause a loss of vacuum. Wait until they are at room temperature.

How to use: bag seal

1. When using bag seal, simply roll out the amount needed for the food you want to store and seal one end shut. Leave enough room to seal the other side.
2. Place the food into the bag and place the bag back into the FoodSaver and press the “Vac/Seal” button. Your FoodSaver will start working its magic right away.

How to use: container seal

To seal the designated FoodSaver containers simply place your food in and close the lid.
Using the built-in accessory hose, attach the end to the green attachment on the top of the container. Press “Vac/Seal” and wait for it to stop.

Sealing food using the FoodSaver VS7850 takes less than a minute and has great benefits to your kitchen, food taste, the environment and food storage!

Have you tried this system before? I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips on how we can minimise household waste.