Dried Food Storage Q and A

[@jukes243]

You just answered my question. Can I reseal after opening a jar. Yep. Thanks! Heidi.

[@tennesseegirl1215]

Something I learned a few years back, if you keep your house really cool in summer, it's best to dehydrate outside. A garage or porch, it takes so much longer to do it inside where we keep it really cool. Thanks for sharing all the great info, blessings

[@SiMahDan]

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@reneeschweiger9921]

Thanks for the video😃. Request for a future one...how to clean and sharpen hand garden tools...shovels and clippers. Thanks for all you do!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Patrick did one awhile back on a machete but maybe something more specific would be a good idea. Our trimmers certainly need cleaning and sharpening anyway! haha

[@jerseygirlvet]

I dry can all my dry goods like beans, rice, flour and never had issues. Dry canning will kill all those bugs if any. Great info thanks.

[@MysticalLoveAndLight]

Wow Heidi you answer a lot of my questions here.., I’m new to the whole dehydration process… So every one I’ve done is because you put out a video on it.. Thank you 🙏 so much… Ps i edited it because auto correct thinks it knows what I’m saying and it’s always wrong Haha 😂

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Auto Correct is more auto than correct, haha

[@raincoast9010]

It took me a while to figure out the Food Saver vacuum lids, here is what i learned and now it works for me every time. First when you put the Food Saver vacuum lid on the lid/jar twist the Food Saver attachment/lid as you are pushing it down, this will stop the gasket from peeling off. Do the same when removing it from the jar. Second, when the vacuum machine has finished the cycle, while pressing down lightly on the Food Saver lid, quickly disconnect the hose AT THE FOOD SAVER LID not at the machine. I think if you disconnect at the machine the pressure differential is not abrupt enough between the jar and the inside of the vacuum attachment to let the jar lid "grab" onto the jar and make a seal. Hope this makes sense...

[@mrcharrington1]

Thank you for clarifying the no freezing of beans. Makes my life a little easier. 😊

[@thewindchime6644]

I'm new to dehydrating and vacuum sealing so thank you for this video, very informative.

[@grsartofworship4352]

I dry canned half gallon jars of beans and rice. I also vacuumed can sweet potato crackers. Said last for two years, but we found them more than that and they were just as fresh and crispy as the day I did them. No rancid taste either. Love your videos. I learn so much from you guys!

[@prairiegirlcowboyhomestead5876]

Thanks for a good video. Today my dehydrator has rhubarb, blueberries and nectarines..

[@deborawitkowski769]

Thank you. You never disappoint and answer everything better than a psychic

[@homesteadrewind3948]

Lol I had a dehydrated potato fail. Because I didn't blanch them first. Fortunately I did only a few and didn't have a big waste of product or time. I'm going to try again soon. I believe in what you said. To just try it and see how it turns out! The greatest lessons are truly the ones we teach ourselves. Keep those videos coming Heidi. Peace and love to you!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Right! And we remember them better when we make mistakes...so they are not failures, just a lesson in how NOT to do it :D

[@art4god870]

Heidi, thank you so much. I brought out the brake bleeder that I purchased a couple of yrs ago and sealed that reg size jar lid with no problem. I'm back in business.

[@lisaturner6297]

A quick tip that works for me ref regular mouth jar not sealing, when using Food Saver machine: I put two lids on top of my jar, before sealing. One lid will be left in the sealer top & the other will be sealed to your jar. I hope this helps.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep, I have heard many do this so it is a good tip for that that prefer the machine over the brake bleeder

[@villiehaizlip7626]

Well it did not go well for me bc I now have 2 lids on one jar and can not get it of without taking both off. 🙄

[@alancarter4270]

Love the channel the wisdom and the way you teach. I DH my black berry leaves for medicinal use and I make a garlic honey fermentation. Wify handles most of the medicinal side of things, from capsules to tinctures. I handle most of the food preservation, growing and processing.

[@mskaykrafts]

Thanks so much for doing this Q & A Heidi.....it was SUPER helpful. I bought a Nesco recently and have been pretty much running it everyday and I'm very happy with it. My only regret is that I haven't been doing this all these years! Thanks again and Blessings to you and your Family.

[@brendastratton1306]

What a great wealth of information! I've been dehydrating/freezing/canning for many years, and you touched on some things that I didn't know. And, although I have a nice food saver that I've never had any trouble with to date, I've added a brake bleeder to my shopping list. You just can't be too careful with the things you spend so much time preparing. As always, thanks for the information, Heidi!

[@jojow8416]

I too replaced my food saver with a break bleeder and I need my husband's strength to pump the sealer. You must have the hand strength of a boxer.

[@getitright5863]

Heidi does have book recommendations and you need a good library because you may not always have the internet.

[@1963Jellybean]

I have learned so much from your channel! I purchased a brake bleeder. Thank you!! You may very well save lives with your information. After all the craziness with the covid pandemic, who knows what tomorrow holds. Scary times we are living in. God bless you!

[@lorayejones4777]

I am dehydrating Visalia onions. Use in soup and stews.🤗

[@ChileExpatFamily]

So nice to see your video. We have been storing a lot of good food this year. We just started doing cured hams and are loving the results. This is definitely the time to be putting away foods. Thanks Jim in Chile.

[@viviansmith8207]

Yes God is awesome

[@art4god870]

Thank you for the reg jar lid seal tip. I just purchased a Pump 'N Seal. I did so to seal my reg lid sized tops. This item works great and similar idea to the brake bleeder. I will try your tip with my brake bleeder that I have and never tried. Thank you Heidi so much for sharing your knowledge. Blessings PS - THE Pump 'N Seal works on any jar with a rubber ring inside. It does not have to be a canning jar lid. So I can reuse my salsa jars.

[@loriworkman5127]

How do I buy the Pump and Seal?

[@donaldsmith3048]

I live in Florida and I put in dehydration packs in some things because it is so damp here.

[@susanbystone7853]

Love ALL the food and food storage videos. Thanks so much !

[@kristybear100]

I just purchased my brake bleeder this morning. Perfect timimg!

[@susantaylor8507]

Were you order it from Amazon was out of the one Heidi has please let me know thank you

[@relaxatsagespa783]

Harbor freight is where I bought mine around $28 bucks😊

[@kristybear100]

@@susantaylor8507 I purchased it from another Amazon seller.

[@debbiesavage7107]

kristybear100 I just ordered one from ebay. Amazon is out of just about everything prepping related.

[@pattigsbh4392]

Thank you for sharing. I'm trying to dehydrate more and appreciate your encouragement. God bless

[@marthaadams8326]

Heidi, Excellent and wow on those fingernails -good thyroid test :-(. This was really good info and I basically want my food saver off of my counter. It works fine on the wide mouth, but just never was good on the old size jars. So, I broke down and ordered a brake bleeder today - Two for one - small mouth jars can be sealed and a little counter space. Yeah! I wanted more potatoes put up because I bought the big cans of mashed potatoes and slices. But, I wanted some choices. I bought bags of frozen hash browns at the grocery and they dehydrate beautifully and then I sealed them up and they are beautiful - probably because of the chemicals they put on them to keep them white. I have a good amount of potatoes coming - and need to figure out how to store them right now. I bought 90 lbs of sand (yes, I know, but you would be amazed at how fast it goes) so, I can store in layers of sand in a cool dry dark place - I think???? I will definitely roast some quarters and maybe dehydrate some slices, but really prefer the quarters roasted with onions for my personal tv dinners.

[@americaneden3090]

Good morning! 💚🌱 i love ALL of ur videos especially food storage vids. Tfs

[@maryc4804]

Write a book please. Your knowledge is wonderful.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Please see this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2PRi6NoZ5eFadE

[@Jo-xf4nt]

GM, because I always buy my bean & grains, I put them in jars and place them into the oven at 200° for 20 min. Bring out and place on the lids. Let cool, if they don't seal I vaccume seal them at that time. Love your videos, keep up the great work!

[@Steph-ck6wi]

Can these same items with an exception of the nuts be saved with the same longevity if using the food saver bag and an oxygen absorber? Thank you!

[@edieboudreau9637]

@@Steph-ck6wi yes if bag is not damaged. Jars are better in my opinion.

[@juliebaker6230]

I was recently given an Amazon gift card and am going to use it to get a brake bleeder. Already had the food saver lids 😄 Thanks for the update, Heidi!

[@donnamichaelgolelswholesom385]

Good morning everyone, Heidi thanks for sharing. We in West Georgia don't have problems with boll weevils here either. I have got to get myself a vacuum sealer. It is one thing on my list. But I have been dehydrating things still. My husband has to wear mask to work as I think everyone that goes into public needs to. But it takes a big part of our income to pay for them mask. So it has slowed down my budget. But grateful for my garden and what I can do to store. I started, would not call it prepping. But trying to prepare. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize things have changed. Just some people have a spirit of knowing things ahead of time. I call it a gift. I pray for a better tomorrow and hope for this thing that we are going through to pass quickly. But my spirit just keeps saying.. brace yourself. I guess I got off the subject. But I really want want everyone to be prepared, rather than be sorry. Well Good bless every one and may he be with us all!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I agree that things are going to get worse and the forced mask wearing is just another step to prepare us for forced vaccinations which is a violation of our God given and constitutional rights. We have a right to stay secure in our persons.

[@donnamichaelgolelswholesom385]

You are so right.😑

[@floridaglitz]

I just dryed canned just about everything that you teach on this channel….I do have a question….Is it possible to also dry can breadcrumbs the same way….along with a cupcake liner….😉 As always I appreciate you…you have saved us a ton of $$ ❤️ Thank You!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

As long as they are fully dried, yes you can

[@Wildevis]

I think you are the only "Homesteader" I follow who does vacuum sealing of cans. It makes a lot of sense, but once again, finding the equipment in my country is nigh impossible and will have to be imported

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It is getting harder to find them here as well as they keep going out of stock at many places.

[@tinnerste2507]

Are you in europe? I am and I do this, but with other equiptment .

[@kathybarker154]

Good morning, thank you for all your great information.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thanks Kathy!

[@edieboudreau9637]

Another great vid Heidi.

[@naturelady6750]

Thank you 🙏 another very informative video! God bless!

[@rowenaphilbeck1919]

Great video. Loved it.

[@michellerhodes5477]

I've even noticed the same item will take say 10 hours to dehydrate one time then take 14 another. I just dehydrate until it meets that food's "doneness test." I've had peaches that took 20 hours because they were so juicy. I've never found you can over dehydrate anything. It'll be fine in there longer if you want to be sure it's dehydrated enough. I always err on the side of caution and if I have any doubt, I'll keep it on there for a couple more hours.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Right and good point! I have seen the same in many of my herbs, some that usually are done within 8 hours sometimes take 16 and vice versa. It is a matter of checking them.

[@sandrarice5575]

What is the dehydration test?

[@lynnettemurphy8243]

Can someone recommend a dehydrator? And where would I get a brake bleeder? I lived in Ireland & don't gave stores where they can be bought. Probably have to get them on Amazon UK. Would be grateft for any help & suggestions. Blessings to all. Take care, stay safe.

[@lynnettemurphy8243]

Oops, past bedtime after 3am & didn't spot the errors. I live in Ireland & we don't have stores where these things can be purchased. Also the jars I use have glass lids with metal hinge & fastener. Kilner jars. Blessings all.

[@michellerhodes5477]

@@lynnettemurphy8243 I have the Excalibur dehydrator and it's amazing. I'm pretty sure it's on Amazon worldwide. Same with the brake bleeder but if you have a local auto parts store or even a large store that sells automotive products, I'd check there first as I'm sure it would be less expensive. But for dehydrator, the Nesco is a great dehydrator as well! I'm positive you can find an option on Amazon UK or can find a local retailer if you go to the Excalibur or Nesco website and see where they are sold. Might even find them in a store that sells household goods and appliances too.

[@susantaylor8507]

I would love to try a cup of your herbal tea

[@angiekrajewski6419]

I was just wondering if you did a video about different flowers..and their purposes that we can dehydrate..thank you dear Heidi you and patrick are so nice ..!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have an herb playlist that I started in 2016 and add more to every year. I talk about individual herbs (and flowers), how they can be used and their benefits: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX3HkoqcbZiVe7s

[@audreynanapreps2543]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@pamelastadden3869]

I would love to see a Canning video- water bath method pleased.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Please check out the video that just published today on peaches

[@shebrewsherri1008]

Thank you!

[@joan486]

Quick question please. Do you always leave the bands on your vacuum sealed food? Love your food storage videos. Thanks for all you do 🥰

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, I put the bands on all my vacuum sealed jars to both insure they stay sealed or if they do lose their seal, they still have a tight band to hold the lid in place.

[@elizabethmoldenhauer1940]

Just what I needed to know! So my question is do you recommend an Amazon brake bleeder? Also on Amazon, what vacuum seal jar tops do you recommend. Picking up my new to me dehydrator today. I gave away my beautiful one of 25 years when we downsized. I'm trying now to homestead in our apartment. 😊 Oops, went to our other video and got my answers! God bless!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Note: the vacuum tops and brake bleeders have been going out of stock so you can go through those links and do a search for a brake bleeder if the one linked to is not in stock as those are all pretty much the same. The foodsaver tops come and go a lot lately. I saw the other day the wide mouth ones were available but not the regular. Sometimes it is the other way around. Sometimes both are available and sometimes none. One has to just keep watching for them

[@elizabethmoldenhauer1940]

Thanks so much Heidi. I am seeing the market run on these... I will keep my eyes open. Found a great used Nesco Food Dehydrator today. Happy Dance.

[@porthuronhistory]

Sure wish Amazon would get the vacuum lids in. I check but must not do it at the right time or often enough. Will keep at it. Nancy

[@ValerieHarristhefoodiemedic]

I did some food for camping such as chili, split pea soup and spaghetti. It worked fine but you have to run the dehydrator so long that the cost/benefit is probably not there. I just wanted to see if I could do it.

[@catherinestringer3213]

Wonderful information Heidi! Thank you so very much. I so love your channel, such a wealth of information. You and Mr. Rain are Heaven sent in my opinion. I do have a question for down the road, should you be able to answer; Do you store your jars back in the boxes or in cabinets? I have the dickens trying to store them. You can’t stack them as they are unstable at best (at least mine fly everywhere when I open the cupboard) or they might become unsealed due to stacking. Just wondered if you had a good solution for how to keep the jars stored and organized. Again, thank you so much. Blessings from Texas.❤️

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I talk and show it some in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6qvlKWAral8mbM. I know there was another one where I talked about stacking but cannot figure out which one it was. I do stack but I make sure the bands on the bottom tiers are clean and dry and put back on the jars very loosely with a thin board or layer of cardboard between rows to disperse the weight

[@catherinestringer3213]

Rain Country Thank you so much Heidi. I knew you would have an answer. Blessings❤️

[@Mompeas]

Thank you for all your information. I took out my dehydrator from storage in the garage because of you and have dehydrated mushrooms, greens, bacon, grapes into yummy raisins, and recently tried celery which I did read should be blanched first to keep the green color. What do you use the pansy flowers for? I also watched another video on your using Nasturtium leaves for a tincture. I grabbed the few nasturtium leaves I had and put them in vodka but I can't remember what you used it for or which video it was in. Please tell me. It's still sitting in the refrigerator.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Pansies: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpeohpiEap2cb5I Nasturtiums: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6fHqnxrltiLbac Antibiotic extract: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2LInaatltVjZ5o

[@mizzkathryn7]

Good Morning, You must have read my mind, I dehydrated all day yesterday I have two screen doors outside covered with a mesh canopy, the oven going and the dehydrator with mint, kale and chard plus collard greens. Q? I gathered some Mullin or fussy lambs ear what do you know about it as a herb for drying do you use it I have not up to now. I will post this on FB today thank you so much.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Woolly Lamb's Ear and Mullein are different herbs. I believe they have some similar properties but some are different. I do not grow Mullein but do grow lambs ear and have an old video on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZu6l2qXh9uViqs

[@edieboudreau9637]

Watch for vids on both.

[@donaldsmith3048]

Some don't take the hose out before they take the sealer off the jar. I never have trouble with the lid coming off when I pull the hose out first.

[@privateprivate8366]

Yeah, although I’m new to all of this, I’ve seen no rush in dehydrating and vacuum sealing certain items. Some things I prefer freeze dried, so I buy them that way since I won’t be buying a freeze drier. Frozen items? I’ll dehydrate and vacuum seal, when I have time. Items that are dried to the consistency of wanting to actually eat? I can wait a few days to further dehydrate and vacuum seal. I keep in mind that there are some foods that I don’t think I really need to jump on, because they have a BB or Expiry Date anyway. Preparing for SHTF, I’m about ready to kill myself, as I was already busy with other aspects of my life. So, it’s not an emergency for me.

[@holyfaceministry9811]

When you buy your dried herbs from Starwest, do you repackage them or will they last in the Mylar package they come in?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Since they are already in mylar, I just leave them in the bags they came in as they stay good in those and take up less room, plus less hassle of having to repackage into jars.

[@holyfaceministry9811]

Rain Country, how long do they keep?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Mine have kept for years

[@holyfaceministry9811]

Rain Country Wow, okay thanks! Kathy

[@sccg2424]

Can you please do a video on using the brake bleeder, many thanks

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have a great many of them out and did link to one of them in the description box as I had promised in the video, the one that was the first part to the video above. I will go ahead and give you the link again here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYqtaod8aMl2eZY

[@vm1776]

I used to be able to use the regular mouth attachment to vacuum seal on my foodsaver but I prefer the wide mouth. Hadn't used the regular attachment in years and now every time I try, the regular mouth the lid comes off (yup I've been using the foodsaver). My wide mouth lid rarely gives me trouble. I did buy a break bleeder but haven't used it yet. I have heard that with the oxygen absorbers that you can get them to seal even without a vacuum sealer or break bleeder, but haven't tried that yet. excited to see this video. I haven't canned anything yet this season but my dehydrator and vacuum sealing is constant this year. I'm not freezing mine, just vacuum sealing herbs mostly. I've been wondering if I should be putting my herbs through the bullet blender to make it the size that I want to use it before I seal the jars or wait until I want to use them. I'm guessing that the herbs will be more potent if I blend them down right before use, but throwing a bunch of basil leaves in a jar dehydrated takes up soo much more space than if I crush those leaves after dehydrating and storing. Do you ever forget what you were dehydrating? I had 3 different types of leaves on our dehydrator and forgot what was what, so I put them in the bullet and turned them into little leaf particles as a mixed herbs jar. I know they were all herbs for cooking, so I'll use them in pasta sauce or chicken seasoning. thanks for the tips! Oh, do you also dehydrate by hanging herbs? I've been wondering if it makes more sense to hang dry instead of using the electricity, though since our home has central air it might not be warm enough to dry them well by hanging. thanks!!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I only use my electric dehydrators in summer and my wood stove for drying in winter. In summer it is too humid and I have too many herbs to dry to hang dry them. They take forever to fully dry if I hang them (sometimes they never do) and I would have to have them hung ALL over the house because of the huge volume I am drying. So it is much more efficient for me to run the dehydrators. Also, I do not powder my herbs unless using in capsules but I do crush them in order to get more into the jars. With the great amount of canned and dried goods I keep in jars, I would run out of jars and space if I did not do this.

[@vm1776]

@@RainCountryHomestead thanks. We have a geothermal system so the temperature in the house is fine but it's never the kind of warm that you get with a wood stove or many other heating systems, it also keeps away the humidity of summer. so yeah, I'm not sure if herbs would dry inside. we leave our garlic outside till it dries. yes, I am running out of my favorite jar sizes with dehydrating already. I'm trying not to powder but trying to get the leaves down to the size that you'd get the leafy seasonings in the store. though using a bullet blender the difference between diced and pureed or powdered is about a second!

[@cilandialane3084]

The gasket is shaped like a U, turn the gasket to where the open part is facing you. Mine came with the gasket backwards and it would not seal. I turned gasket over and it works perfect. My new Food Saver will not work the vacuum part. So I got the brake bleeder [thank you Heidi] and gave severe orders that it can not go toward car work. :) The only problem I am having problems with, is flour not keeping the seal. I have made sure no flour is on the rim or the lid. I don't know what is the problem. The threads on the jars have a certain part where there is no thread and you can open the jar at the open spot in the threads. NO more breakage of the jars.

[@vm1776]

@@cilandialane3084 I've been sealing powders in half gallon wide mouth jars with my food saver. I've found that I need to leave more headspace with powders than I do with other items. for instance in a half gallon wide mouth ball jar, I can fill to the neck or above with beans and seal but with flours I need to keep it at the 7 cup mark or below or it doesn't seal.

[@cilandialane3084]

@@vm1776 ok I will try different head spaces. Thank you very much.

[@highlandscommunityclub1160]

Thank you! Yes! God is good all the time! My mind is clearer around oxy absorbers in vacuum sealed jars...I honestly could not figure out why people do that. However, no one ever mentions desiccants! The little silica filled bags that absorb moisture. I’ve been putting them in my sealed jars of dehydrated vegetables this year. This is the first year for dry canning my dehydrated vegetables. Any thoughts on that?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have thought about those and really, those ones make more sense for dehydrated goods. However, I still would not use them either. If your food is fully dehydrated and sealed, there is really no need.

[@CCook-cw9jo]

The research I have done showed silica should not be used with food, only with non food items, is this correct?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@CCook-cw9jo I have not actually looked into it but I personally do not think it is a good idea anyway. I get more and more suspicious about all that stuff!

[@highlandscommunityclub1160]

Christine Cook I bought silica packets made expressly for food. My logic about using them is if I’ve left any moisture at all in my dehydrated jars, the packet will pick it up. The brand name is DRY AND DRY. I put some in my salt as well, as salt is a humectant/ surfactant.

[@CCook-cw9jo]

Thank you Heidi and Highlands Community Club for all the info! Since I’ve been unable to purchase the sealers, etc... on Amazon (constantly unavailable) I’m trying to come up with alternatives, so far the oxygen absorbers were the only item I could find. I’m new at all of this, my first dehydrator arrived today! Very much appreciate and truly grateful for all the videos and information❤️

[@suedavidson3084]

Great video - One question I have is about using Weck jars which have a glass top and seal for storage of dry goods. Should you use an oxygen absorber in that type of jar or is the rubber seal enough? Appreciate any info you have on this type.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It would depend on what you are putting in the jar. Most dried herbs would not be necessary but for meats, yes.

[@tinnerste2507]

I use weck jars and i seal them in a food saver canister with a brake bleeder and they stay sealed for years. The amount of air you take out of the jar is the same with the brake bleeder as long as you have the same air pressure on the gauge on the brake bleeder. Ive never used oxygen absorbers for meat, eggnoodles and dried apples and none had discoloered or tasted off.

[@debbiefockler9890]

I got my brake bleeder in about two months ago and just got my vacuum sealer lids in about a week ago. Had a couple of previous canned lids so I used those. Can I use tattler lids with the brake bleeder? I guess I could try and see if they work. Thank you for the information. God bless.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have used Tattler lids. Some are still sealed from years ago but I find I have more seals lost on those than the metal lids

[@debbiefockler9890]

Rain Country I did try it and it worked! Now I can seal more of my jars! I guess now my forearm will be getting a good workout! LOL

[@catherinefletcher837]

Which dehydrater do you use. I’d love to purchase everything that you are using 😊

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Sorry about my last response about the jars, that was suppose to go on another comment! Not sure how I did that! I talk a lot about the dehydrators I use and how in this video series and it is also linked in the description box: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXa9hnWbqch7ptk

[@theprairierose4613]

I saw just a glimpse of jerky, so you haven't had any trouble keeping that fresh in your vacuum packed jars?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Nope, I talk about that in the video that preceded this one that I linked to in the description box: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYqtaod8aMl2eZY

[@junipergreene2467]

Thank you for the video! The brake bleeder link is sold out. Do you recommend another? Thank you!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Please check out my newest video on dehydrating ground meat. I have three new links I the description box

[@hopeisorange]

Are you saying you can vacuum seal almonds and keep them in the pantry or do they need to go in the freezer still?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, some nuts, almonds in particular, can last years in vacuum sealed jars, others are best to freeze, such as Brazil nuts. I know this from experience

[@bonnied3550]

Heidi the brake bleeder you have pinned comes up as out of stock and they don’t know when it will if it will. Are you able to pin another comparable one in your listing. I see there are others just want to make sure I’m getting the right tool. Or maybe you can write up the specifics we should be looking for in a good brake bleeder for the job😃👍🏼. Thank you

[@RainCountryHomestead]

The problem is when I get a new link, that one goes out of stock so the best thing to do is go through that same link then do a search for one like it. I still get credit for the sale when it is done that way. All brake bleeders are virtually the same, some I am sure may not be made as well as others but price should have some say in that as well

[@bonnied3550]

Rain Country great thank you...will be looking into and purchasing one. Hopefully you will get the credit😃👍🏼

[@bonnied3550]

Rain Country I have another question unrelated...do you have a recommendation on amazon for a good reliable digital scale. Would be utilized for a variety of things. Also when drying beets to either jar up to put in soup etc. do you want them dried having a bit of chewiness? Unlike if you want to grind up to a powdered state, you would want them more crisp? Would love your thoughts as i am a newbie with dehydrating. Thank you in advance

[@Jo-xf4nt]

PS: never any problem with weavels.

[@angiekrajewski6419]

I was wondering...depending what you are dealing with as grains etc but if they are infected ..would it be a good idea to put them in a patch of garden and see if they grow into what ever...they are ...would it work?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I can try, it would not hurt

[@wval4379]

Your skin looks fabulous!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you!

[@NS-pf2zc]

I'm sad to say my brake bleeder kicked the bucket and I have about 70+ jars to seal...so I'm going to drag out the food saver. Which stinks because I have to pause every 5 jars or so, so that the "sealer" part can cool off. 🙄 Takes forever!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Bummer! That is why I bought a back up recently. Mine is still going strong even four years later but JUST in case it does die, I want to make sure I have a back up

[@edieboudreau9637]

@Natasha x. Is it possible you just need a new basket or hose to replace the one on it? Ask at a car parts place if they sell spare parts.

[@celiakneisley3188]

Did I see where your husband makes a device that I can vacuum seal the half gallon jars? And if so, how can I buy one?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes you did and you can find our etsy store link in the description box. Please make sure to read the full item description before purchasing. We are currently out of the ones made to fit to a foodsaver but he will be building more soon and either size can be adapted to fit either device

[@christinepeters7110]

Hi heidi so i already steamed 3 packages of frozen thawned peas and then i let them cool down, I put them on a dehydrator and put them in the dehydrator at 125 degrees for 8 hours will I still be able to vaccuum seal them for long term storage will it be ok? next time i will just let them thaw out and then dehydrate them.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, they will be fine.

[@iartistdotme]

I dried 5 cans of chunk pineapple in heavy syrup after draining them since they were under a dollar for large cans. Then I should have frozen the juice or added it to tea or something other than trying to dry it like a fruit leather. It NEVER dried! I'm assuming it was due to the sugar but how else would you suggest using that sweet juice?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

When I have juice from canned fruits (home canned or the rare store bought ones) I add my ferment starter to them and turn them into a natural soda similar to what I did here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3u0qX2jr9akbKc

[@iartistdotme]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you for the link. I see now that I did this accidentally when I tried making pineapple vinegar. I just used the cores and skins of a fresh pineapple in a huge jug of water and threw in about a cup of brown sugar and 5 whole cloves. Then stirred it everyday. My whole house smelled so delicious and I thought maybe I was making hootch. But after a few days it began to taste a little like vinegar and once it stopped bubbling, I strained the fruit out and bottled it. It was the best tasting stuff ever! Still use the vinegar in some salads as it is so clean and fresh tasting. I could drink it everyday with no problem. So back to the fizzy drink, I'm not sure I understand why it keeps being fizzy - seems that means it's not done turning. Maybe I should have drank my 1st stage vinegar (beginning of a wine?) as a fizzy drink? It was REALLY good then but I waited until it vinegared up. So I can actually drink it before that stage? I thought I was cheating death or something by tasting it. I know so little but am trying to learn - thanks for your videos and information.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Vinegar needs at least a full month and need exposure to oxygen so if you had a lid on it rather than a cloth, that would prevent it from turning the wine to vinegar. To turn it fully to wine, it needs to have a tight light and an air lock. Tasting at any time is totally safe.

[@lovelifelivelife9225]

Now if you unseal it to use some of the product in the jar and then reseal it are you inviting toxic air back into the jar when you reseal it? Just curious like oxidizing air or are you taking it back out again is what I'm saying. By continuously opening and closing the jar and resealing it is that okay to do.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

How would that be different than the initial sealing? If you are resealing in the same place you sealed it initially, why would the air be any more toxic? No, there should be no problems.

[@kathym2563]

Have you vacuum sealed walnuts successfully?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I haven't only because they are not something I stock up on but feel pretty certain they would do as well as pecans

[@kathym2563]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you.

[@darlarousch6339]

If you dehydrate banana slices, sometimes I wonder if they are completely dry, would putting a moisture absorber in before vacuum sealing take care of what little there might be?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It might

[@juselenascott6620]

I have been combing through your links for the food saver topper sealer thing that is white. Can you send it or put it on your next video? TIA

[@RainCountryHomestead]

They keep going in and out of stock because the demand for them has been high lately. Try Foodsaver.com to see if they are in stock there right now

[@Aleks25900]

I just got mine from Amazon. ( They were out of stock for months).

[@margaretsowell9311]

Do you do anything with rhubarb leaves?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Because of their high concentration of oxalic acids they should not be eaten but I do use them in a bug spray for plants and compost: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKmnenZ7jNZ0iMk

[@venuscruz6075]

Can you vacuum seal raw sunflowers?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, I have some vacuum sealed into jars I did back in 2014

[@susantaylor8507]

I heard you could dyhdrate frozen hashbrowns

[@edieboudreau9637]

Yes. It's easy. Just takes a bit longer.

[@laurachastain7116]

DO CLEAN WASHED JARS HAVE TO BE STERILIZED 1ST IN BOILING WATER BEFORE STORING DEHYDRATED FOOD?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

In my personal opinion, no, I never sterilize my jars, I only wash them as usual

[@Tina-7773]

What about dehydrated hamburger? How long before it goes rancid?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Depends on how and where you store it. I have not had mine dried up for more than a year and have worked through a couple of my jars already. I have had homemade jerky stored for 7 years and it was still good

[@loriworkman5127]

How do I buy the vacuum chambers from you?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Through our Etsy store which is always linked in the description box: etsy.com/shop/raincountryhomestead

[@Bkrsdtr]

Can I use my pressure canner as a “chamber” and dry vacuum can a batch of flour or beans?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This is an interesting question. I suppose it will depend on the type of canner you have and how well it is sealed. I would think with the more modern All American Canner this could work if you put the lid on snuggly as you would when canning, then put your hose over the vent pipe. I need to try this with my smaller canner and see if that works! That would be a good option for those who cannot afford to buy the vacuum chambers that Patrick makes or simply need something bigger for half or whole gallon jars or even want to do several jars at a time

[@lizworkman9967]

Do you ever dry Bee Balm and if you do how do you use it.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I tried to grow it last year but it did not do great. It does have its benefits but cannot remember what they are off the top of my head. I remember these things more once I actually put them to use but it is pretty easy to research by simply putting "Benefits of bee balm" into your browser and see what you come up with

[@edieboudreau9637]

Also great in teamixes

[@danielafrezza4196]

hello, your chanel is very interesting. Thanks for sharing. My question is the following: in my country, I don't find this kind of double lids (amazon delivers only books and few other things) , so I am not able to vaccum seal your way, thow it would be very interesting. (we can water-canning or oven/hot/dry seal). Is there any other solution to vaccum seal with normal lids? ( I live in Switzerland). The other question is: I only dehydrate hot over my oven in winter for fruits and vegetables. I dry herbs and flowers just letting it sit in the shadowfor some days ( I am afraid to loose nutrients or fragrances if hot dehydrating), what's your thought about that? Thanks in advance

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Not sure what other vacuum options would be available to you so I cannot say. On the herbs, yes if you dry TOO hot, you can damage the herbs but drying on low heat temps will not.

[@danielafrezza4196]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you so much

[@edieboudreau9637]

@Daniela Frezzo any kid that has a rubber seal inside can be vacuum packed by using o2 ( oxygen) absorbers. By your last name I would guess perhaps the Lugano region? I lived in Been for a year many years ago.

[@danielafrezza4196]

@@edieboudreau9637 ,I live near Bellinzona but grew up in Geneva. Your name sounds french . Do you know were I can buy oxygen absorber?. Another question: How do you call the Double lids you are using in US? I found a brake bleeder online (the name is different but the image seems the same) but now I have to find the lids that matches my Jars ( my Jars lids that I have are 70mm and 86mm) and the jar sealers ( regular and wide mouth ) what are their sizes ?

[@sheilazangrilli1710]

I also add bay leaves to my dry goods, both vacuum sealed and my every day use goods. I also add a moth traps to the pantry. After having an infestation twice I use multiple systems. No problems since. However, I still have problems with the regular mouth jar sealer. I use the brake bleeder. I've tried using different lids and jars. I even bought a new sealing cap. Still have the lid coming off with the sealing lid.

[@carolhamilton5164]

Sheila Zangrilli for regular lids to seal I found that using two lids makes the bottom lid seal. I had problems for years with them not sealing before I heard this. Works great now.

[@joannbates4944]

Do you know anything, about Harvest Guard Lids. They look like the Tattler Lids.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Only heard of them because others have asked me but have never looked into them or tried them

[@joylee7274]

If you were to vacuum seal beef jerky and store it in the freezer, how long will it last?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Since I know it lasts on a shelf in my pantry for at least five years, I would think it would last at least that long in the freezer

[@joylee7274]

@@RainCountryHomestead Actually I bought some organic beef jerky at Costco and exp. date is next May of next yr. I vacuum sealed them and stored in the freezer but i am wondering how long they will last. One of the commenter in Amazon said after few weeks they were moldy. I guess she didn't put it in the freezer.

[@joylee7274]

Was the taste still good after 5 years?

[@lusnorthernhome3410]

I leave mine sit out on the counter for a week.

[@jaclynrichmond1049]

I froze my ham drippings in a Ball canning jar and I did not vacuum seal it, would that be okay

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, I never vacuum seal liquids before freezing and so far have found little difference between the vacuum sealed and non vacuum sealed frozen fruits and veggies

[@jaclynrichmond1049]

Thanks so much for always answering our questions. Greatly appreciated 💝

[@darlarousch6339]

Why don't you like to use the dehydrator overnight, I have been doing that because it takes such a long time. I actually just put the dehydrator in my bedroom and let it run. Gives me the white noise to help me sleep. Ha ha.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I thought I had mentioned in the video but we run our dehydrators off our solar power and I do not want them draining the battery bank through the night

[@darlarousch6339]

@@RainCountryHomestead You did Heidi, but I am not lucky enough to be able to access solar power, so I am just wondering if it was for safety reasons or not? Also I live in a building where my rent is subsidized so my electricity costs very little.

[@rosemarieswensen943]

I do you know when it is sealed good, what pressure

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I cover this in the video I linked in the description box and was the precursor the one above: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYqtaod8aMl2eZY

[@rosemarieswensen943]

@@RainCountryHomestead that was awesome ! Thank you

[@SuperSaltydog77]

Is there a possibility that if the seal is lost can mold spores get in?

[@edieboudreau9637]

Yes if you don't have ring on or if it's not dried enough

[@janets3532]

Can you share the link for getting off thyroid meds?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqDNaIaeaduBfbs

[@liliani1778]

I want to start dry canning but I cannot find the jar sealer, nowhere. If somebody can share one for regular mouth jar I’ll be so happy, I pay for shipping. Love your chanel.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Everyone is having a hard time finding them, it is a matter of checking Amazon or other places that sell them on a regular basis. I did just buy myself another wide mouth to have a spare but when I got that one, the regular mouth ones were out of stock

[@liliani1778]

Rain Country Thank very much for your time, I’ll keep looking🤞

[@SalongirlGardens]

I’m finding it impossible to find the vacuum seal lids.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, many are because of the current crises but if you keep checking back on Amazon, they do restock but they sell out again quickly

[@HeyHeyAlabama]

Does Costco charge extra for ordering online?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Some things are a little more but many things are the same and if you order $75 at a time at least, you get free shipping.

[@susantaylor8507]

I been wanting to vacuum seal I dyhdrated onions and some peppers but I cant find the jar sealers and Amazon out of those and the brake bleeder the last time I checked

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, they keep selling out and then there is wait time for restocking. This has been an issue not just on Amazon but many other places.

[@edieboudreau9637]

Brake bleeders van be bought at car parts store