Stock Up NOW on these 6 Vacuum Sealed Necessities!

Here are my top 6 dry foods to vacuum seal and stock up on. We'll discuss types of sealers, which ones are dependable and which ones are not worth spending money on. We'll then end our video showing you step by step instructions on how to vacuum seal.

[@stevevernon5038]

We stock food so we don't have to drive one hour round trip to get something we need to finish putting a meal together. Also to avoid crowds and shortages when a storm of some sorts is coming. It's such a blessing to have your pantry be your grocery store.

[@GimiH1]

We call it Howard's grocery.

[@deecooper1567]

We do the same thing. Always lived in the country & I learned from my Mom to keep frequently used items on hand. 👍👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@alaskanintn9323]

1.)Rice 2.)Organic Popcorn 3.)Coffee Beans 4.)Cereal 5.)Flour or wheat berries 6.)Dried Beans

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Or substitute what your family eats more of. If no one drinks coffee, maybe you choose oatmeal instead.

[@josephanddonna3544]

How long does cereal last sealed like that? Please

[@T6706K]

I stock coffee bags just like tea bags

[@texfarm6798]

The popcorn can be ground for cornmeal if needed

[@southwesthomestead1234]

What a gorgeous Pantry. I love the jars! I seriously can not believe what food is costing these days. I honesty wonder how young families are getting by. Everyone needs to learn to cook from scratch and save in any way they can, Good stock up tips!

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Awww. Thank you for your kind words!

[@m.walker7907]

I have pasta vacuumed sealed from 2019. Restock when I use them.

[@pamswantek9142]

Don’t know what state you live in but I would put a small board over the front of each shelf as a precaution from earthquakes. They are occurring more often in very unlikely area’s. Please consider protecting your hard work. I live in Michigan and I had a strip of lumber placed across the front of each shelf to prevent a disaster.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

We are remodeling my pantry soon. Most of my items will move to cupboards. I’m in West Virginia. Earthquakes are beyond rare here.

[@ginnyk50]

A package of hot dogs just cost me $4.00. Get used to doing without some of your favorites. I began stockpiling several years ago and now I have to go back and check bb dates because I didn’t vacuum seal everything. Great video! 🙏🏻❤️👍👵

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I get sooo anxious buying food. I don’t know how young hardworking Americans can do it. The whole thing makes me sad for our children and grandchildren.

[@JettBlast]

I envy your organization and skills at this running a household. Great job. Thanks for sharing all this wonderful to know information.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

You are very welcome! Most days I’m just frazzled and drowning in work. Lol. Spring is especially crazy busy. Thanks for your comment and for watching!

[@dawncierelli1510]

I've been doing this for a while and after seeing this video I am so glad that you did it to show other people because I've been trying to explain this to some friends of mine who just look at me likeI'm crazy

[@TrialAndError8713]

The nice thing about storing corn and beans is that you can use them for seed in the spring. I'd suggest that everyone invest in a hand-crank grain mill, and a hand-crank meat grinder. One can also make your own vacuum sealer from a metal bucket and lid, a hand pump brake bleeder, and some doodads you can get from a hardware store. You can't vacuum seal in bags with this, but it works for jars. My wide mouth attachment for my store-bought vacuum sealer won't seal jars. I'm not sure why, but that's part of why I also use a homemade chamber sealer.

[@tennesseeterri]

I use a brake bleeder with both sizes of lid attachments, and they work great. I am thinking there must be something wrong with your lid attachment or your machine. I love my hand pump brake bleeder.

[@redstone1999]

@@tennesseeterri I had a FoodSaver were the accessory port was a hit/miss affair ( by the time I started using the port, the warranty was finished). Bought a second hand off brand food sealer unit for real cheap. The heating strip was good but not great like FoodSaver is. But the accessory port works like a gem, so it is my jar sealer unit. I have 2 brake bleeders as power out back ups. (Boy! Do you ever get a good wrist and forearm workout.)

[@redstone1999]

Do you have some hints for me on how to break in my hand grain mill. Mine seams to pollute grain with zinc filings.

[@TrialAndError8713]

@@redstone1999 I'm afraid I don't, but where did you get yours? Maybe they have a suggestion...

[@redstone1999]

@@TrialAndError8713 I bought them decades ago. I use my well used manual meat grinder and then electric blender to make my grain flour, nut butters. Even grind my coffee beans with the meat grinder ( have several plates of different hole sizes). I may just grind sand in grain mill until plates sand off zinc down to steel. One more project to the 700 other projects in waiting.

[@jeanneamato8278]

Remember that stockpiling isn’t the same as hoarding.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Definitely not. That’s why I rotate and check my stock. Good reminder.

[@lusnorthernhome3410]

Do you have trouble with it sucking the particles into the lid and not sealing properly.

[@julierayfield8035]

If you are sealing something powdery put a coffee filter in the top of the jar. @@lusnorthernhome3410

[@elizabethjohnson475]

@@lusnorthernhome3410On my questionable, light, and airy products that I vac-seal, cornmeal, cream of wheat, you can cut a coffee filter to fit your pint or quart, to place on top after filling, and before placing lid to vac seal. I've never had a problem with the product or with filter getting in the way. Works fine every time. Keeps the possibility of powder dust getting into vac-seal hose as it is sealing.

[@Flying_Doodle_Homestead]

@@lusnorthernhome3410 I use cupcake papers inside the mouth of my jars. It helps the powders and such from being sucked up into the machine while vacuum sealing

[@maryconder7100]

Great information! I learn so much from channels like yours. Making sure we have food for when the economy crashes. Afraid it's coming soon and so many will be unprepared

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I’m afraid you’re right about the economy. I wish others could see that and prepare.

[@lindapearson2376]

Excellent information. Thank you for sharing. Appreciate it.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@GayleCormier1957]

I'm a new subscriber and I really like your videos. I have learned a lot from you.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Welcome aboard! Thanks so much for subscribing. It means a lot to Jim and myself.

[@michelebaron5708]

Will try your great ideas. Thanks.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Aww. Thanks for watching!

[@eloise-rw3sj]

Brilliant pantry and logic ❤

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Awww. Thank you!

[@dianehall5345]

Hello Deb from our farm in New Hampshire. New to your channel. Thanks for this great video. You have reminded me to buy more half gallon jars. I have a Food Savor and love it! You are spot on regarding having dry pantry items on hand. We are a long trip to the grocery store. Stocking up saves on gas and time. And, as you said, prices are ever increasing. Plus when I get there some items are out of stock. I started stocking up in earnest after March 2020, including dehydrated items such as cream, butter, buttermilk, cream cheese, etc. Its a Godsend having my mini grocery store of dry pantry, freezer and canned foods. ~ Diane

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Great to meet you! I was born in New Hampshire. My family still lives there. I just ordered more half gallon jars from Walmart last week. They were shipped for free and $16 a box which in today’s prices isn’t bad. Thanks for joining!

[@cyn4rest]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead I just ordered a few cases of large canning jars from Azure Standard. Better price than Walmart. I’m surprised. They’re for dry storage like you show in your video, which is why I’m thrilled to have found your channel. Thanks

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Half-Gallons are the best!

[@user-hp2tv6yz7r]

Love your pantry❤

[@MK-px7xn]

Wow looks great! You must have a big family! Thanks for sharing!

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Six kids plus grandkids.

[@orthohawk1026]

Oh, I LURVE beans, either in soup/chili or over rice! I grow coriander and cumin and am stocking up on the other whole spices I need to make an Indian spice mix called garam masala (I love Indian food). Spit peas and lentils? Not so much (I'm not quite to the gag stage but close, lol), but as long as I can spice 'em up I can get through a pot of lentil or split pea soup. I probably have a year's worth (or more) of beans and rice in my pantry. I'm hoping to get to the point where I can grow an entire year's supply for dried beans. With pasta stocked up, I can probably stretch soups, etc. for another year's worth.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I grow beans. I may not like them but if I’m hungry, I’ll eat them!

[@pattinailsit4535]

Thank you 😊

[@aligarcia3792]

It's good to know that there are individuals like yourself. That Care and share what keep them coming stay 💗

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Awwww. Thanks so much!

[@heatherbrodian6129]

Instant white rice, honey, syrup, powdered pb, eggs n tomatoes are my faves oatmeal too.

[@Carrick8986]

I really like the look of the jars for storage

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Meeee toooo! I like a clean and organized pantry. This way I can see everything.

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

I use jars but if I had to start with them know I could not afford it.

[@stanpayeur424]

Nice love your pantry I would like to give you a hint I’m from Kansas we get ground movement and storms that vibrate the whole house I have found putting a bunny cord across shelves will keep jars in place

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Thanks for the tip! We’ve never had an earthquake here. These are temporary shelves that were here. I’ll be upgrading soon.

[@maryellensunflowergirl8132]

I just got my food saver. Love it❤

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Wonderful!

[@judgetoogood1033]

Awesome 😊

[@journeywithnichole986]

I recently started storing my dehydrated food in clear vacuum sealed bags, then put a few of those packages in a mylar bag and seal it. This makes the food more mobile in the event of quick evacuation. It also protects the food in the event of an earth moving event. I then store all of these bags in coolers. This protects from Light- Air- Moisture- Heat, and you can also load several months worth of food in a few coolers and be out the door quickly in evacuation. I still keep all my every day food in jars, cause let's face it- Pantries look beautiful with glass jars!!

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I also have quite a few in food grade buckets with lids. It’s great for long term storage.

[@journeywithnichole986]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead oh yes, great idea keeping them in buckets too. easy handle and easily transport.

[@aliciaokiegal]

Nice, clean and purtey! Thank you for clarifying about putting items in freezer first. I was on the fence because I don't have room in my freezer to do that anyway.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Yep. I used to freeze all my items before putting them in my kitchen but honestly this is easier.

[@pinschrunner]

Freeze thaw freeze. I have had countless grains and beans ruin from the inside out because eggs hatch and they feast. Depends on your climate. Our food supply seems to have way more bugs these days

[@mgfofoklahoma4018]

Hi! And thanks for your video. Don't store roasted coffee beans as the oil in the beans goes rancid. Can GREEN un-roasted coffee beans. They will store for many, many year's. Easy to find as well.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Excellent idea!!! I’ll order some.

[@gabbyofmilton]

I don’t agree with you on the last sealer, as long as you use NEW lids, it seals as well as my Food Saver vacuum machine. I only use it with dry items. Never had one unseal on me. Now in the beginning I tried using used lids and some came unsealed, lesson learned; new lids don’t really cost that much.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Good point. You “can” use used lids but if you have tons of new ones, and it solves the sealing issues, I’d say go for it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

@@JustDoSomethingHomesteadI use A LOT of used lids for vac-sealing dry goods and for pressure canning. Also have reusable Tattler etc lids, but they are kind of finicky!

[@crazydee1955]

I thought we werent supposed to put the rings on. Maybe that just applies to foods that are pressure canned.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

That only applies for canning. For vacuum sealing the ring stays on.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

I do keep the rings on in case some of my dry goods, such as cornmeal in a jar, comes unsealed, because it has. With the ring absent, a mouse can shove the lid off the rest of the way and help himself.

[@evelyncoutta474]

Love the title of your page

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Awww. Thank you. Hubby and I were often overwhelmed with everything we need to do. And Just Do Something became our motto.

[@pauletterichards4755]

Good video

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Awww. Thanks for your comment!

[@Lovemycoffee10]

Love your video! Many don't have the money to buy a Mill to grind wheat berries for flour. My question is, am I supposed to vacuum seal flour for long term? I'm a beginner, thank you. I just bought the sealer you gave a bad review on, yikes. I agree w/everything you said. Can you change that bad music? 😂 Thank you!

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I’ll check into some other music. Lol. I kinda like it. Yes, if you vacuum seal your flour it’ll store longer.

[@Lovemycoffee10]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead Thank you for replying...looking forward to more of your videos. ❤️

[@kathypaaaina3953]

Aloha hugs 🤗 we just packed 100lb. Rice in freezer Ziploc Bags Bay leaf into Galvanized Steel Containers then Cinnamon powder. I live in a Volcano 1978 Hard winter wheat yes they can be spourted Wheat grass still have it. Only You need to add another Protein to make A whole Protein like cheese milk excetra I won't use glass I do have 4 case stored with card board in between. I had a vision was setting in my parlor the Earth Quake went west to East Horizontal I also need to rearrange my shelf which rock to not take out my wall structure. More worried about DEW burn as they did to Lahaina Maui. Going to paint everything Shades of Blue. Tarping the Roof. Making card covers. All I can find is paint blue Cloths. You are blessed but you can't eat broken glass awesome video

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Things are so very different for you than living here in West Virginia. Definitely no volcanos here, or earthquakes. Glass is fine and protects against insects and rodents. Thanks for sharing all this! It was very informative.

[@silaslongshot941]

Personally, I think I would keep cereal with coconut in it in it's own jars, not mixed with other cereals as the oils in the coconut may go rancid and if it did you may lose all those jars it's mixed into vs just the coconut stuff if it was by itself. I would guess you have way over $1000 worth of jars in your pantry considering they're $30+ for 6 now on Amazon. Our original FoodSaver lasted well over 15 years before the sealing strip burned out. We used the vac bags for all our dry goods storage since canning jars are expensive and frequently hard to find locally. Packing stuff down hard as a brick seems to work well. We also put paper copies of the cooking instructions in with the goods and mark the items as 'quick oats' or 'plain oats' ,etc.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Thank you for sharing all these ideas! I’ve never paid more than $16.88 for a case of half gallon jars. I get them delivered free from Walmart. But most were bought at the thrift store for less than $1 each. Many people give them to me for free when they’re cleaning out. Look on marketplace. Thanks so much for watching!

[@pattinailsit4535]

Hello, love what you’re doing with your canning! Can you please send me the make of your rechargeable handheld sealer? Thank you

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

It’s the FoodSaver Rechargeable Handheld.

[@markizanochi65]

Love your pantry,I start doing this like a month ago, don’t have much space but I putting in boxes, I try do flour but all go to tube ,make big mess,start looking and find info need put paper on top 😅. Coffee good idea ,I drink a lot ,making my tea also .

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Thanks so much for watching. This is the largest pantry I’ve had. In the past I had to carry it all to the basement.

[@sheilaf5732]

I take flour and place about 4-6 cups of it in small paper lunch bags. I fold the top once only and tape it shut using one peice of tape. Then I place in vaccume bag and seal twice. The flat bags are easy to store.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

@@sheilaf5732 that’s a GREAT idea! I’ll try it next time.

[@markizanochi65]

@@sheilaf5732 OMG good idea ty so much ,I still have flour sets on shelf need to be stored.🙏😍

[@amaineac2133]

I have had better luck with the hand held battery operated sealer. I let it go for 40 seconds and have had NO problems. However I have had problems with the brake bleeder even though I pump it until the gage stops. I have used plug in vacuum sealers with the food saver attachment and some of the dried goods let go. I always use used lids. I am glad you have had good luck with the Food Saver, I have had problems with all the sealers I tried, they last maybe a year (maybe your model was a better one). The one I am using now is from Cabela's and it says commercial on it. It has an automatic vacuum and seal button as well as manual vacuum and seal button. The sealers I have had in the past either fail by not doing the vacuum function or it would vacuum and not seal but it is nice to have the manual buttons so I no longer have to replace after about a year.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Thank you for sharing all this! ❤️

[@janebeard8902]

I have one of the older hand Foodsaver bag sealers and decided to experiment. Took the bottom plastic piece off and waa la! It will also seal jars! It just doesn’t stop when it’s sealed so you have to listen. For me, it was a great discovery!😊

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

That’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@misst1586]

I'm trying to picture this?

[@janebeard8902]

@@misst1586 at the bottom of the handheld sealer is a plastic piece with green around the bottom. This comes off and there is a small piece that you can place over your vacuum seal lid and vacuum seal . Hope this helps as it’s the best I can explain.

[@misst1586]

@@janebeard8902 oh I see

[@roberts1922]

Voilà! 😉

[@patriciacerwin6266]

Thank you for this information. I had bought beans, rice, flour, and canned goods. Unfortunately I just tossed them in a tote. I'm almost afraid to pull them out. Hope I don't have bugs! I do have a sealer so I guess I better get busy and empty the bags into jars and seal. If they have bugs, I can toss and buy fresh.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

You’re welcome. Bug control is a big reason why I vacuum seal in jars.

[@alicerafferty9595]

Put your dry goods in the freezer for 24 hours. It will kill any larvae that might be in your food.

[@misst1586]

You can use it for your chickens if you have?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

@@misst1586 I would

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Yep, get busy! Some of my daily things are in totes: chips, cold cereal, etc. But I have vac-sealed in plastic bags crackers.

[@shebbaa33]

You can also grind the popcorn to use to make corn muffins

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Great idea!

[@owascomarket8994]

Hi! Awesome and Educational! Have you tried chamber vacuum sealers?! I LOVE MINE!

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Not yet! But it’s on my short list to buy. Thanks for your comment.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

@@JustDoSomethingHomesteadI've heard they are great for large pieces of wild game, but what else?

[@brendasowers5132]

I cannot see what brand of sealer you have. 😅if it is 11 years old what would you recommend if it is no longer available?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

It’s a FoodSaver FM5200. I just bought a second one on Amazon as a back up. So I know they’re still available. It’s a fantastic vacuum sealer.

[@lizchattin7016]

Just subscribed! I like the remember to store RICE, but why would Popcorn be in the top 6? I'm storing with nutritiion in mind. Do you cord your jars so they won't fall off that shelf? Good pointers on the vacumm sealer!

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

These shelves were here when we bought the house. We’re getting ready to completely overhaul the space and put in some free cabinets we got. So they’re only there temporarily.

[@GimiH1]

I totally agree. A cheap vacuum pump may not pull a strong vacuum... that matters for the long-term storage items.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Exactly!!! I keep saying this but many, many viewers are more concerned that it works at first. That definitely doesn’t mean the seal will last.

[@GimiH1]

@JustDoSomethingHomestead We broke down and bought a chamber vacuum sealer. It does a much better job, even with the jars. The lids are tighter. I tried to put a small 1 in the chamber and broke the canning jar! We have hundreds of jars of vacuum sealed dry goods, freeze-dried, and canned food. I love the 2qt jars for almost anything dry. My last run, I bought 8 dozen or 96... they're already full. I really like to see my foods without opening a bag I have to reseal. Mylar is good, but I really prefer not to crush things. I keep them in sealed buckets.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

@@GimiH1 I love jars because I can see exactly what I have preserved. With Mylar and buckets I’d completely forget! Out of sight, out of mind. Some day I’d like to get a chamber vacuum sealer. But first I want a freeze dryer!

[@GimiH1]

@JustDoSomethingHomestead I agree, out of sight, out of mind describes me to a T. It's more for my truly shtf stuff. I keep my jars closer to the kitchen, and it helps with the rotation.

[@forestwoman]

Just found your channel and am enjoying the videos. Why do you use glass jars instead of the bags for vacuum sealing?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Keeps critters from chewing on them and getting in plus I can easily see my stock.

[@bonniebork4967]

plastic - pba free ? microplastics interfere with hormones and health

[@pinschrunner]

I bought that handheld sealer recently. There are many brands. Hope mine is better than yours! 😉. Thanks, I will be vigilant

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I have a FoodSaver handheld that works very well. I’m sure the quality varies greatly among different brands.

[@theblueriverhaus]

We bought the last vacuum sealer after having so many issues with our foodsaver not keeping a seal. We mostly freeze dry foods and check them often, no issues at all to date with the cheap hand sealer vs popped lids from the foodsaver 1-2 months later 🤷‍♀️

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

It all depends on the model you purchase. Cheaper FoodSavers are, well…cheaply made. I’ve found the higher end ones are built far superior. But they’re also 5 times more expensive.

[@theblueriverhaus]

Understood but we do have a higher end model foodsaver as we use it constantly for packaging our own meat. Older models were much better before they changed to the pre attached vacuum hose. We tried every hack, even own the same handheld you do, finally broke down and bought the cheap handheld. Every situation is different, we run the cheap one 50-80 seconds and no seal issues to date 🤞

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

@@theblueriverhaus Yep. I ran the handheld jar sealer for up to 3 minutes. It usually sealed. Then as I started doing the next jar you’d hear it pop. Or as I carried it to my pantry or a few days later. I decided I had a dud. So I bought a second jar sealer. And had the exact same results. So I gave up. Definitely not worth the frustration. I’m glad it works for you. I truly am. Because our goal is to help each other and to preserve food. Our families come first.

[@m.walker7907]

I vacuumed sealed pasta too & vacuumed sealers. 2 of Them

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

That’s awesome!

[@sabbyjones2308]

Because we lose power occasionally I also use the brake bleeder for times I don't have power. I have never had problems with false seals😊

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I actually have a hand held pull style one they came in with the two attachments. I haven’t used it yet. But it’s there is we go without power long term.

[@orthohawk1026]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead I used to use that one; your arms will feel like wet noodles after about 4 jars! I would pump it with one arm until it got tired and then switch till that one got tired. :)

[@dodiekirby2049]

Do use any type of bottle/can opener to open? Does the dent they make in a lid make the lid non-reusable?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I use any opener. I could put a cloth under the opener when I pop it but usually I’m just in a hurry. You can use them over and over to vacuum seal as long as a hole didn’t poke through.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

You can pry off any lid by using the back side of a spoon resting on the threads of the glass, next to the lid, and gently prying up. It saves the metal lid for reuse. I've also used a regular bottle opener many times that makes the dent, but never had a problem reusing the lid for pressure canning or vac-sealing.

[@TheLightbright01]

Also in a pinch, popcorn can be ground for meal.

[@elaineweitz2595]

I couldn’t find you model number ! Is there a newer Food Saver one that we can buy ?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I just bought a new one last week. I typed in FM5200 and this model came up. It’s a FM5460. FoodSaver FM5200 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealer Machine with Express Bag Maker with Handheld Vacuum Sealer for Airtight Food Storage, Dark Silver It’s on Amazon.

[@marymatt5761]

I was watching another video on dry canning and she heated her jars dry then filled them put the lids on and replaced in the oven @ 225*f for 20 mins or so. What are your thoughts on this process?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

My thought is… If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, you should absolutely dry seal them. Do anything and everything to preserve food.

[@faithfinkes2103]

New here and new to dry sealing food. Haven't read all the comments so excuse this if you've already answered it. In canning we don't put rings on. Are the seals different in this method to make it okay?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Great Question! You use rings for vacuum sealing but not for canning. In canning if a seal pops but there is a ring you may not know it’s not sealed and you could get sick. In vacuum sealing you won’t get sick but the food can become stale. So if the lid pops but a ring is holding it, there’s a better chance that the food stays fresh.

[@faithfinkes2103]

Thanks for the clarification. I'm pretty much just beginning this journey.

[@ajalicea1091]

You can use oxygen absorbers too.

[@lillianlangille4486]

Hi I’m new. Just wondering how you date the jars a year past the BB date?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I’ve tested how they taste a year later. Some were perfectly fine like rice and pasta. Others started to decline in taste. Those were mostly mixed ingredient foods like crackers and cereal. You can find all the research on the internet. There are charts everywhere. Many many foods go far longer. 1 year is the bare minimum. Salt for example is at least a decade and could easily go far longer. 😃

[@chriskat646]

If you put flour in the freezer you can extend the shelf life.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I used to store it in my freezer. By vacuum sealing it I don’t have to worry if the electric goes out. Plus it frees up freezer space.

[@Lewisusa11]

cereal is one of the worst things you can eat, besides a donut. Bad flour, sugar, HFC and tons of preservatives and "flavors". Way better alternatives. My dehydrators were running 24/7 this summer and it is so nice to make a crock pot of soup and go to "my store" for all of the necessary ingredients. I dehydrate everything and powder some of them too! Freeze dryer will be up and running soon!

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I make most of my own cereal. My recipe is organic oats, local maple syrup, dehydrated strawberries that I raised and turned to powder, organic coconut, etc. I shared the recipe on my channel. Doesn’t it taste so much better? The only cereal I buy is organic. No Lucky Charms for me!

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

I would recommend a manual sealer also . I LOVE mine. No electricity required

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Good point. I have several types. But if we lose electricity a manual would definitely be a good item to have on hand.

[@MaheshikaSarathchandra-vv3qn]

Can we use this for clay containers Please aware me on clay pot vaccum sealing methods Its a great help

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I’ve never heard of using clay containers. I only use canning jars so I don’t know.

[@MaheshikaSarathchandra-vv3qn]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead ❤️

[@user-mp9uq2bx8w]

I bought an electric mason jar vacuum sealer…is this a good device for vacuum sealing for long term shelf life for dry foods?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

In my experience…no. It depends which one you bought. The cheap ones (less than $30) simply aren’t powerful enough to keep a long term seal. They may originally seal but eventually give out. You’ll only know by trying.

[@mcfs23]

Think its better to label it on the side for better visuals

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@MaheshikaSarathchandra-vv3qn]

Can we use this sealing methods for clay containers ? Aware me about clay pot vaccum sealing methods please ...

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I don’t know. I’ve never used clay.

[@cyn4rest]

Excellent info. I’m curious… why did you add one year beyond BB Date to your jars? New subbie

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Vacuum sealing extends the Best Buy date. It removes air. And exposure to air is what makes your dried goods become stale. A safe starting place is adding a year. Many of the foods, like rice can go far longer, like 10 years. But most can’t stay fresh that long. There’s just too many variables involved. So start at a year and if it’s just as fresh, re-seal it and go longer.

[@cyn4rest]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead ok. That makes sense. Thank you

[@lightgiver7311]

Funny, I have had no problem with the Electric Mason Jar vacuum sealer, two years in with products, and no pops. I'm guessing its because my rims are on tight.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

If you have an older one it’s probably a different version than these new ones.

[@sabbyjones2308]

Do you cover flour before vacuum sealing? Mine goes everywhere unless I do

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Yes! If you don’t, it’ll suck into your vacuum sealer and eventually ruin it. You can use cupcake liners, paper towels, coffee filters, etc.

[@Kylie_75]

How long do you find nuts that have been vacuum sealed in cool area last before they become rancid - thanks

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

It varies greatly according to variety, temperature in storage, and how old they were when they were sealed. My almonds and walnuts only made a year.

[@user-cz4nc5fc7e]

what is a good seater if power is out??

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I have a manual one. It’s a tube that you pull the lever and it pulls out the air. They’re fairly inexpensive to buy.

[@lor6496]

Do you use oxygen absorbers with any of your food/jars for long term? Thank you

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Nope. No need to. The oxygen is removed when it’s vacuum sealed.

[@lor6496]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead thank you very much.

[@jb69muff]

We use Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers .

[@lor6496]

@@jb69muff thank you, appreciate it

[@rebeccadees2300]

Do you reseal after removing portions of the sealed items?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Yes I do. That’s when I use my handheld rechargeable and store that container in my kitchen.

[@rebeccadees2300]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead thank you!

[@melodytoufekoulas3653]

How long should it take to seal the jar? One time I did a jar it took 20 min to stop sealing.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I’d say something is wrong with your sealer. It takes less than 30 seconds.

[@pamlynch1862]

So you assume me that the food will last one year past BB date? Is that the same with storing in the food saver bags?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

It is. The difference is I use jars because mice can get into the foodsaver bags. And rats can chew in plastic buckets. But unless they knock a jar over hard enough to break, rodents can’t get into glass. And many food items like rice can go far longer than a year.

[@cathycraig6784]

Tea is all over your yard, and herb can be used for teas and healing benefits

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Yep. I dry my own teas.

[@billierichter1379]

In case you didn't know, popcorn kernels can be ground for great corn meal.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Oh I know! I make cornmeal. Usually I use sweet corn because we like the taste. This year we plan to experiment with several different types of corn both for eating and for feeding animals. Thanks for sharing! Do you grow your popcorn? I’m wondering which variety to go with.

[@billierichter1379]

I do! A few years ago, I grew Dakota Black, but wasn't really thrilled with the lack of sturdiness of the stalks. I then switched to a tri-color, but I don't know the name of it. It's an heirloom that I got from a friend, and she got it from another friend.

[@TrialAndError8713]

Many years ago, I experimented with corn in my garden. I alternated two rows of sweetcorn and a row of multi-colored "Indian" corn, then two rows of sweetcorn, across my garden. The kernels on the sweetcorn ears that were pollinated by the multi-colored corn ripened earlier than the kernels that were pollinated by the sweetcorn. When I would boil the ears and butter them, those kernels were a little bit crunchy, but they were also nutty, so I had a combination of sweet, nutty, crunchy and buttery. It was delicious!

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

@@TrialAndError8713 Thanks for sharing! It sounds wonderful.

[@carlevans5403]

Please please put something on your self's so that the jars won't fall off... I know they yet BUT... Thank you... stay strong and buckle up...

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Lol. I get more comments on that. My daughter bought a house with 2 upright pantries. I just need to go get them. Then nothing will potentially fall.

[@stevevernon5038]

Can you vacuum seal other jars like washed out glass spaghetti sauce jars? Do you make meals in a jar?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Yes! I use any jar that the lids fit. And yes, I make meals in a jar.

[@stevevernon5038]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead thanks for the reply.

[@sandijammes7761]

@stevevernon5038 Heidi at RAIN COUNTRY has vacuum sealer "cannisters" that her husband makes & sells that allow you to reuse almost any size jars that have the silicone (?) Ring inside the lid. Any jar that can fit inside the cylinder can be vacuum sealed with a brake bleeder. They make 2 sizes, so smaller jars as well as larger ones can be used over & over. You should check it out. They aren't cheap, but I bought both sizes & have never looked back! Good luck & God bless you & yours. 🙏

[@shebbaa33]

I can't afford to get a food saver unfortunately, I've been wanting to get one but being on a fixed income as a permanently disabled retired nurse , I do my best to prep for my son and I but I was wanting to at least get a jar vacuum sealer for now. Are there any you would recommend for a starter until I can get a full unit like yours? Do you have to put absorbers or anything in also?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

When you vacuum seal you don’t need oxygen absorbers since the air has already been removed. Great question!

[@shebbaa33]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead ok, thank you :)

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I just saw that you asked about other sealers. You can buy the mason jar sealers for around $25. If you used one you’d need to check your seals constantly. I honestly would search for a hand brake pump one. I don’t know any thing about them except they have a gage and you manually pull the handle until it’s sealed. I’ve heard that they seal long term.

[@shebbaa33]

​@@JustDoSomethingHomesteadok thank you 🙂

[@misst1586]

​@@JustDoSomethingHomesteadI got it at harbor freight for times with no power

[@darlamanke3078]

Coffee has to off-gas. Do you have any problems with jars breaking because of this?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Wow. I’ve never heard of this. No. I actually have never had a jar break from vacuum sealing. I’ll have to do some research. Thanks for the heads up. I actually wish I could grow my own coffee. I grow a lot of our food. But coffee and West Virginia don’t seem to mesh!

[@caroltochterman0000]

Do you have to put oxygen pkts in each jar?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

It’s personal preference. I don’t. Many people swear by them. A vacuum sealer never gets all the air out. I’d I had them, I’d probably use them.

[@ruthfields3874]

I dont do organic. Its so expensive. And it doesnt last but 2 days before it ruins. Love your pantry.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Vacuum sealed organic dry foods last as long as non-organic. I agree. They are completely too expensive. I try to raise a lot of our foods.

[@clairepoirier2856]

What if you dont have a sealer how can you store with the covers sealer but not the vaccum sealer

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I’m not sure what you’re asking. If I didn’t own a vacuum sealer I’d look into a manual hand pump one. They’re less expensive but not as powerful.

[@donnagrifford7142]

👏👏👏👍💞

[@magogo560]

Can I vacuum seal Checks Snack Mix? It has butter and nuts.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

You can seal it up to the best buy date. It’ll keep fresher than in the original bag. But it’s not going to make it long term. Those two items will go rancid. Same goes for potato chips and other fried snacks.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Chex. And by the way, Chex and most other empty calorie cold cereals are bio engineered. Not at all good for your health. Best to find organic ingredients and make and vac-seal your own granola cereal.

[@sassyherbgardener7154]

A very popular homestead and canning channel person vacuum sealed Raisin Bran cereal, and I thought that was great, so I did many jars, and even shared some jars with family. A few weeks later, she came back and said that putting raisins in a vacuum sealed container could be dangerous, and that botulism could occur with the raisins. She said she made a mistake and please don't do it. (This was very frustrating and costly for me, and I shared jars with family.) I see you have some of the same cereal in your jars. Do you think it is safe, or have you heard this? I saw that some people put their raisins in a dehydrator first to dry out the moisture. Do you do this? I still have my jars of cereal, but now I'm afraid to eat them, as I didn't use a dehydrator. Did you dehydrate yours? Thank you!

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Wow. I imagine it’s because raisins may have a higher moisture level in them. I don’t vacuum seal Raisin Bran. I do vacuum seal my own dehydrated blueberries. That’s what you see in my cereal mixtures. But they are done differently. You have to boil them first to soften the skin so they can dry to the center. My blueberries are crispy not pliable. I just googled if you can vacuum seal raisins and LOTS of people say you can. I’d be very leery myself. I appreciate you sharing this. When it comes to safe food storage I tend to be over cautious. I’ll try to remember this if others ask.

[@redstone1999]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead I re-dehydrate all store bought dried fruits. I 'Case' all store bought foods with desiccant packs and even add a fresh pack in jar to be vac-sealed if in doubt. I have been doing this for years. From my years of research, the rule of thumb (averaged) says that below 10 % moisture is a safe margin. I aim for 5% or less, however rehydrating takes longer to do.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

I have vac-sealed raisins. They are pure sugar if properly dehydrated through and through; they don't have to be brittle, but pliable and just right for cold cereal or anything else.

[@thevikingwolfpack836]

You should put a strap across the front of the jars just incase of a earthquake even if you don't get them, an should get you a brake bleeder tool to seal jars when theirs no power .

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I’m remodeling my pantry soon. Those jars will be moved. Thanks for sharing!

[@mailperso-fr]

Hi deb New subscriber from France Please let me know a link for thoses material : the machine and the accessories Tk you so much💫

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Welcome! I’ve never met someone from France! How are the food prices where you live? They keep going up here. I can’t post a link. I’ve tried many times. The FoodSaver is FM5200. The attachments are the FoodSaver mason jar attachments. I got both from Amazon.

[@mailperso-fr]

@@JustDoSomethingHomestead Hello here we have a 30% increase in food prices, we must show resilience Tk you for information 🙏keep safe

[@patsypryor9850]

do you sterilize those jars in bath or oven?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I wash in hot soapy water and completely dry. They can’t have any moisture on them.

[@thomaslewis8515]

You will appreciate putting some straps around those shelves to keep your jars from falling off in case of an earthquake. You might bring it up to your views to do the same. I know of people who lost hundreds of jars because they weren't prepared.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I’m switching out all my shelves.

[@marymauro486]

Can you can raisin bran cereal?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Yes!

[@honeytoone8610]

What tea do you grow?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

Chamomile, peppermint, and mint.

[@amymckellips]

Do you add oxygen absorbers??

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I don’t. I feel that it’s redundant since the air has been removed. But some people like that extra security. It won’t hurt anything if you do both.

[@loridavis5699]

So just to summarize, sealing is for dry goods short term and pressure canning is for meats and veggies for long term?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

You can vacuum seal dried goods for long term storage such as rice, dried beans, and wheat berries. You just need to have a quality sealer. The handheld sealer have a shorter shelf life because they don’t seal as strong. Pressure canning is for low acid foods like green beans, corn, and potatoes. Water bath is for high acid foods like tomatoes, jellies, and jams.

[@sober-southoftheborderever3591]

Is there a way to do this process without the air vacuum sealers? Here in Brazil it is very difficut to find it or too expensive (and I mean, really expensive). Thank you so much. Be safe and prepared! Cheers

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

They sell inexpensive hand sealers on Amazon. They are a white tube and you manually pull the handle up. When I bought the white adapters for $14 it was included in the box. I never personally tried it though. Thanks so much for watching!

[@sux.z]

does it need to be heated to kill botulism spores?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

What need to be heated? The jars need to be washed in soupy water and thoroughly dried. The food is all dried foods. They don’t grow botulism.

[@sux.z]

ok thks@@JustDoSomethingHomestead

[@melodytoufekoulas3653]

What is the best way to dry seal items?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I prefer to vacuum seal mine.

[@melodytoufekoulas3653]

Watched your video. Great info. Ty fir being though

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

@@melodytoufekoulas3653awww. Thanks so much for your encouragement.

[@elaineweitz2595]

What are the products companies and style number ? It seems I’ve gotten the wrong ones 🤦‍♀️ my big sealer didn’t seal the jars like yours did it was a dud .! It sealed the bags you were to make! But bags don’t work for me so I ended up giving it all away 🤦‍♀️ the resealer had one you have I don’t have . I was given one for Christmas 🤦‍♀️ so please tell me your products name 🙏 thank you

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

It’s a FoodSaver FM5200.

[@jackgoldman1]

I store dry goods in five gallon buckets with gamma lids. Much cheaper and works just fine.

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

I used to. But I need to see what I have. Out of sight, out of mind. So I line my shelves and in a quick glance I know exactly what I have. But I’m glad you found a system that works for you. I’m just hoping more people see what’s going on and stocks up as soon as possible. Thanks for sharing!

[@jackgoldman1]

So many great ways to store food. Store what you can. Biggest mistake is to store nothing. Store something. That is the best. Thanks for all your good deeds. @SomethingHomestead

[@elizabethjohnson475]

I have vac-sealed a lot. They are fine in bucket with gamma lid. Also have in buckets tons of sacks of sugar, flour, rice, beans. Use as I need. Here in far north California there is little or no humidity. It's dry. The only time something might get stale is during the summer when the swamp cooler is on and brings that humidity in, and a chip bag is left open.

[@teresamokshan5653]

How do you seal flour in jar without getting it sucked in machine ?

[@JustDoSomethingHomestead]

By putting a barrier on top of your flour and under your lid. I’ve used a cut paper towel, coffee filter, or cupcake liner. All work well.