Keeping most foods in their original packaging can help them last as long as possible, but there are other things that can be done to make the shelf life even longer. One of these ways is vacuum packing, which takes out all the air from an item being packed to stop bacteria from growing.
There are many benefits of vacuum packing outside of preventing the growth of bacteria. Some foods, like vacuum-packed coffee beans in the freezer, don’t necessarily last longer in vacuum bags. However, the coffee beans will keep a lot more of their flavor for longer if they are kept in a vacuum bag. Vacuum packing can also reduce the size of the item, meaning you have more storage. But how long does vacuum sealed food last?.
Vacuum sealing is one of the best ways to extend the shelf life of ground beef. By removing oxygen from the packaging vacuum sealing significantly slows down spoilage and bacteria growth. This allows you to keep ground beef fresh for longer whether refrigerating or freezing it. But just how long can you keep vacuum sealed ground beef before it goes bad? Here’s a complete guide to maximizing vacuum sealed ground beef’s shelf life and staying safe.
Vacuum sealing is a process where air is removed from the packaging prior to sealing, This lack of oxygen creates an anaerobic environment that limits aerobic bacteria growth Ground beef that is vacuum sealed in an airtight package can last three times as long as beef left in normal packaging,
Some key benefits of vacuum sealing ground beef include
- Refrigerated shelf life extended to 2-5 days from just 1-2 days
- Frozen shelf life of 3-6 months instead of just 1-3 months
- Prevention of freezer burn which can degrade texture
- Ideal for meal prep and bulk buys to reduce waste
While vacuum sealing doesn’t completely stop all bacteria growth, it greatly slows it down. However proper handling and cooking is still critical for safety.
Refrigerating Vacuum Sealed Ground Beef
For short term storage, ground beef that is vacuum sealed will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 2-5 days. Follow these tips for maximum refrigerator shelf life:
- Maintain fridge temperature between 34-40°F.
- Place vacuum sealed ground beef on a plate on the bottom shelf to prevent leaks.
- Inspect packaging carefully before opening. Do not use if there is slime, off odors, or gas pockets.
- Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or airtight container within 1-2 days.
- Cook refrigerated vacuum sealed ground beef within 1-2 days to avoid the risk of bacteria growth. Do not refreeze raw ground beef once thawed.
Freezing Vacuum Sealed Ground Beef
For long term storage, the freezer is ideal for vacuum sealed ground beef. At a constant 0°F, the bacteria growth process is drastically slowed down. Follow these tips when freezing ground beef:
- Ground beef can retain top quality for 3-6 months when vacuum sealed properly.
- Ensure as much air as possible is removed before freezing.
- Freeze new packages right away rather than letting them sit in the refrigerator.
- Avoid piling items on top of vacuum sealed ground beef packs. Allow space for air flow.
- Defrost frozen ground beef in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Once opened, rewrap and return to freezer immediately if not using within 2-3 days. Eat within 1-2 days of thawing.
Tips for Vacuum Sealing Ground Beef
To maximize ground beef shelf life, keep these vacuum sealing tips in mind:
- Use a high quality vacuum sealer and bags to get the tightest seal possible. Double seal if available.
- Chill ground beef as much as possible before vacuum sealing for the best seal.
- Separate beef into meal-size portions to reduce repeatedly opening packages.
- Clearly label vacuum sealed ground beef packs with the weight and freeze date.
- Inspect seals and re-seal any packages with weak seals or air pockets.
Shelf Life of Other Vacuum Sealed Meats
While ground beef is the focus here, vacuum sealing also extends the shelf life of other ground meats:
- Ground pork: 2-4 days refrigerated, 2-4 months frozen
- Ground chicken or turkey: 2-4 days refrigerated, 6-12 months frozen
- Ground lamb: 2-4 days refrigerated, 3-6 months frozen
Always inspect packaging for signs of spoilage and discard anything that seems off. Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled meat.
Food Safety with Vacuum Sealed Meats
When dealing with any raw meat, food safety is critical. Keep these tips in mind:
- Start with high quality, fresh meat. Do not attempt to seal spoiled or questionable meat.
- Use clean tools and surfaces when prepping ground beef for vacuum sealing.
- Chill ground beef thoroughly in the refrigerator before vacuum sealing.
- Inspect packages carefully before use. Do not use damaged or swollen packages.
- Cook within 1-2 days of opening refrigerated packages. Do not refreeze raw ground beef once thawed.
- Discard vacuum sealed ground beef after 2-5 days refrigerated or 3-6 months frozen, even if it looks okay. Don’t risk eating spoiled meat.
Signs of Spoiled Vacuum Sealed Ground Beef
Watch for these signs that vacuum sealed ground beef has gone bad:
- Foul, unpleasant, or rancid odor
- Slime layer on surface
- Discoloration or unnatural colors
- Package swelling or presence of gas bubbles
- Signs of freezer burn like dried out beef
- Presence of mold or yeast growths
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. If ground beef seems spoiled in any way, toss it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can raw vacuum sealed ground beef be refrigerated?
2-5 days is the maximum for raw vacuum sealed ground beef stored at 34°-40°F in the refrigerator. Cook within 1-2 days after opening package.
Can you freeze and re-freeze ground beef if vacuum sealed?
Previously frozen raw vacuum sealed ground beef should not be refrozen after thawing. Cook within 1-2 days and discard if not using.
Is it safe to eat vacuum sealed ground beef after being frozen for 6 months?
Yes, as long as it has been continuously frozen for no more than 3-6 months and shows no signs of spoilage after thawing. Cook immediately after thawing.
Can you cook frozen vacuum sealed ground beef directly?
Yes you can safely cook frozen vacuum sealed ground beef without thawing first. Just allow 50-100% more cooking time depending on the thickness.
If vacuum sealed meat has ice crystals is it bad?
Some ice crystals are normal, but large rigid crystals suggest freezer burn. Inspect the meat closely and discard if it seems dry, leathery or smells bad.
Conclusion
Vacuum sealing gives ground beef 3 times the shelf life compared to traditional packaging methods. Refrigerated raw vacuum sealed ground beef stays fresh for 2-5 days, while frozen ground beef keeps for 3-6 months maximum.
Always use proper food safety practices when handling raw meats. Inspect vacuum sealed packages carefully before use and discard any ground beef that seems spoiled or “off”. When in doubt, throw it out!
With proper storage and handling, vacuum sealing lets you enjoy ground beef’s quality and versatility for longer. It’s a great way to make meal prepping easier while reducing waste.
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Food Last in a Freezer?
| Food | Normal Shelf | Vacuum Shelf |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | 4-12 months | 2-3 years |
| Luncheon Meat (unopen) | 1-2 months | 6 months |
| Luncheon Meat (open) | 1-2 months | 3 months |
| Hotdogs | 1-2 months | 6 months |
| Ground Meat | 3-4 months | 1 year |
| Mackerel, Salmon, Tuna | 2 months | 3 months |
| Lobster, Crab (de-shelled) | 2-4 months | 12 months |
| Shrimp, Crayfish | 3-6 months | 10-12 months |
| Green Beans | 8 months | 2-3 years |
| Corn | 6 months | 1 year |
| Asparagus | 10-12 months | 2 years |
| Plums, Peaches | 6 months | 1 year |
| Pineapple | 1 year | 2-3 years |
| Tomatoes | 6 months | 1 year |
| Berries | 6-8 months | 2-3 years |
| Bagels, Bread, Pastries | 6 months | 3 years |
| Cookie Dough | 4-6 weeks | 3 months |
| Cookies (homemade) | 8-12 months | 2-3 years |
| Coffee Beans | 3-6 months | 6-9 months |
| Ground Coffee | 6 months | 2 year |
Freezing food is a great way to preserve it, however, if not stored properly can lead to your food developing freezer burn. This happens when the water molecules within food migrate to the coldest parts of the freezer, often the sides, and cause food to dehydrate.
When freezing cruciferous vegetables it’s important to blanch the food first, as they release a gas which can cause the plastic bag to expand. Not ideal when the purpose of vacuum packing is to remove all the gases.
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Food Last at Room Temperature?
| Food | Normal Shelf | Vacuum Shelf |
|---|---|---|
| Cookies (homemade) | 2-3 days | 1 week |
| Cookies (bought) | 1-2 months | 9 months |
| Almonds, Peanuts | 6-12 months | 2 years |
| Coffee Beans | 3-5 months | 6-9 months |
| Ground Coffee | 1-2 weeks | 5 months |
| Grains | 1 year | 8 years |
| Beans | 2-3 years | 10-12 years |
| Rice (white) Pasta | 1-2 years | 2-3 years |
| Rice (brown) | 6 months | 10 years |
| Uncooked Cereal | 4-6 months | 2 years |
| Crackers | 1-2 months | 1 year |
| Flour | 3-8 months | 1-2 years |
| Baking Powder | 6 months | 6-12 months |
In the 1950s, the Cryovac vacuum packaging process was created to package whole turkeys. It was the first commercial use of vacuum packaging for perishable goods. New techniques, materials, and machines have come about since industrial vacuum packaging was first used. These have made life better for everyone.
