Canning vs Mylar
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Now that visions of jars of freeze-dried food have entered the prepper’s dreams, it is
time to discuss the absolute best way to store freeze dried foods to ensure they survive
to their fullest potential. There are two main ways to store freeze dried foods: canning
jars and Mylar bags. Both methods have pros and cons. Of course, most people think of
canning food that will sit in liquids, but canning freeze-dried foods is an excellent way to
store and enjoy food in the short term. When deciding which method to use, there are
several factors to consider.
First, let’s look at using canning jars. The most obvious benefit is visibility. People are
visual creatures, so walking into a pantry and seeing rows of beautifully preserved foods
is both mouthwatering and satisfying. People never know what they crave for dinner
until they see it. Sometimes, just mentioning a meal will bring images to mind of the
good times and memories associated with that particular food. So, on an extra tired
evening, opening the pantry door and seeing a jar of spaghetti sauce can shoot loads of
happy hormones through the body and make a sleepy person smile. Of course, the idea
that dinner will be ready in the time it takes to make the noodles is a major boost as
well.
Canning jars are critter proof. Mice aren’t able to chew through glass, and unless they
can break the seal, they aren’t going to be able to open a lid and get into the food.
Ideally, mice aren’t an issue, but they can find their ways into everything. There are tons
of little critters that can wreak havoc on a food store: flies, earwigs, ants, etc. So, using
jars is a great way to keep them out of precious commodities.
Canning jars are fully smell proof. Smells don’t get into or out of a canning jar. So, larger
animals, such as dogs, bears, or foxes, aren’t going to smell food stored in an outside
building, so it will be safe from them as well.
Finally, canning jars are reusable. The lids are not safe to use once they have been
heat sealed, but they can be used to store things such as flour, sugar, pasta, and rice,
using a vacuum sealer. The jar and ring are reusable until there is a break or rust. They
may seem to be the more expensive choice, but with their reusability, they are the better
choice cost wise.
While canning jars are an excellent choice, they have a few drawbacks. Since they are
clear, they have a shorter shelf life. Light causes food to release gasses that break them down. Even if they are stored in a very dark room that is temperature controlled, they
will have a 2-5 year shelf life. If food storage is a short-term goal, this is perfect.
Rust and botulism are both serious issues with canning jars. A lid is metal, and what
happens when metal sits in a moist environment? It rusts. So, once the lid starts rusting, the food in the jar is compromised. If it is caught fairly soon after rusting starts, it can be safely eaten, but once there is more than one or two small spots, it’s wasted. Botulism is a big risk in home canning. In factory sealed cans, botulism makes itself known in swollen cans. The pressure inside builds until the can weakens and pushes the tin out.
On home canning, if the lid starts to push up, the seal will break. If the seal breaks, all
the nasties can get in there. Always, always follow verified directions for all home
canning. Canning fruits and veggies, meals and snacks, is an excellent way to prepare
for lazy evenings, busy families, and healthy eating.
The alternative for longer storage life is Mylar. Mylar bags are an aluminum envelope
that come in various sizes and thicknesses. If using a Harvest Right freeze dryer, gallon
size bags will come with the starter kit. These are excellent, thick bags, and should be
used as a guide to purchase more. A good Mylar bag is thick and has no window. The
window allows light in and can allow moisture and air in as well. They are fine for short
term storage, or if they are being used to sell candy. They are not good for storing
anything over a few months. When choosing a quality Mylar bag, look for three
important qualities: thickness, size, and seal-ability.
Thickness is the most important feature of a Mylar bag. A thin bag will not keep food as
well as a thick bag. A standard Meal Ready to Eat bag (MRE for military personnel) is
around 6 Mil (a mil is a packaging term which is translated into one thousandth of an
inch). Look for Mylar bags that are between 5 and 7 mil. One thing you will see when
looking at size is the term “each side.” This is the thickness of each side of the bag,
which is usually half of the full size (2.5 to 3.5 mil each side). MRE bags can be
purchased through Army Surplus sites or stores, but they can be quite expensive. Good
quality Mylar bags can be purchased through Harvest Right or various online stores and
even farm supply stores.
The bag size is an important aspect of storage because they will help with rationing or
serving sizes. Mylar bags come in a large variety of sizes, including small, single serve
drink pouches, all the way up to multiple gallon sizes. Choose the size based on need.
A small 3”x5” bag will hold enough corn for three people. A quart size bag of fruit,
vegetables, or starches will hold enough to feed a family of seven to ten. A gallon size
bag will hold enough to feed up to fifteen. Meat uses a lot more space in a Mylar bag, so
plan accordingly. Also remember that starches, such as rice and beans will grow
significantly, so make sure to plan for that. While bag size is important, one added bag
feature can make life better. Gusseted bags have the ability to stand on their own, so
they can be filled easier.
One thing that I’ve found most beneficial is the double seal. While filling bags,
They can be zipped closed as they are filled, so the food doesn’t have too much time
exposed to the open air and moisture. All Mylar bags come in with the extra zipper
closure and without. Choose the one that will be most beneficial. If storing snacks,
having the zipper closure can keep them from absorbing too much moisture. The
zipper closure is convenient for storing foods that will be used more than once, such
as flour or sugar, and it also gives peace of mind that the food is double sealed.
When looking for a good, reliable storage method, consider the reasons behind storing
food. Make sure the storage method can be stored in a secure place that will keep out
pests and rodents. Make sure to label everything properly. Above all else, make sure
the storage method used is the one that is most beneficial to your family.
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Photos courtesy of Michele Mead
