Storing Food for Outdoors: A Food Safety Blog

When you're heading outdoors for an adventure, whether it's camping, hiking, or a picnic in the park, ensuring your food remains safe and fresh is crucial. Improper food storage can lead to spoilage, contamination, and food borne illnesses, which can quickly ruin your outdoor experience. Here at Wallaby, we understand the importance of food safety, and our Mylar bags are the perfect solution for keeping your food safe and delicious while you're on the go.

Why Mylar Bags?

Mylar bags are an excellent choice for outdoor food storage because they are durable, airtight, and resistant to moisture, light, and pests. These qualities make them ideal for preserving the freshness and quality of your food, no matter where your adventures take you. Let's explore how to use Mylar bags effectively for storing food outdoors.

Choosing the Right Mylar Bags

Before you start packing your food, it's essential to choose the right size and type of Mylar bags for your needs. Wallaby offers a range of Mylar bags in various sizes, from small snack and MRE bags to large storage bags, ensuring you have the perfect option for any type of food. Our bags are made from high-quality materials, providing maximum protection for your food.

Prepping Your Food for Storage

1. Clean and Dry: Ensure all food items are clean and under 10% moisture content before packing them into Mylar bags. Moisture can lead to mold growth and spoilage, so it's crucial to dry fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items thoroughly.
2. Portion Control: Pack your food in portions that are convenient for your trip. This makes it easier to access only what you need without exposing the rest of your food to the elements.
3. Use Oxygen Absorbers: To extend the shelf life of your food, place oxygen absorbers in your Mylar bags. These absorbers remove oxygen from the bags, preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, and keeping your food fresh for longer.

Packing Your Food

1. Seal Securely: Once your food is in the Mylar bags, use an impulse heat sealer to ensure an airtight seal. This step is crucial for preventing air, moisture, and pests from entering the bags and spoiling your food.
2. Label and Date: Always label your Mylar bags with the contents and the packing date. This helps you keep track of your food and ensures you use older items first.
3. Store Properly: When you're packing for your trip, store the sealed Mylar bags in a cool, dark place until you're ready to leave. This further protects your food from heat and light, which can degrade its quality.

Tips for Specific Foods

1. Dry Foods: Items like nuts, trail mix, dried fruits, and jerky are perfect for Mylar bags. They are lightweight, non-perishable, and can be easily portioned.
2. Snacks and Sweets: Cookies, granola bars, and other snacks can be stored in Mylar bags to keep them fresh and prevent them from getting crushed.
3. Freeze-Dried Meals: If you're taking freeze-dried meals on your trip, Mylar bags are ideal for re-sealing any unused portions, keeping them safe from moisture and contamination.
4. Fresh Produce: While fresh fruits and vegetables are best consumed quickly, drying them first and storing in mylar bags will extend their shelf life and provide a healthy and nutritious snack option all throughout your adventure.

Maintaining Food Safety Outdoors

1. Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate surfaces and storage containers for each type of food, and wash your hands and utensils thoroughly.
2. Keep It Cool: If your trip involves perishable items, use a cooler with ice packs to keep your food at a safe temperature. This is especially important for meat, dairy, and other high-risk foods.
3. Consume Wisely: Be mindful of the shelf life of your packed food. Consume perishable items first and save non-perishable snacks for later in your trip.

Conclusion

By using Wallaby Mylar bags for your outdoor food storage, you can ensure your food stays fresh, safe, and delicious throughout your adventure. Our Mylar bags provide the perfect solution for protecting your food from the elements and ensuring you have a hassle-free, enjoyable outdoor experience.

Explore our range of Mylar bags and other food storage solutions at Wallaby today. With our high-quality products, you can focus on enjoying your outdoor activities without worrying about food safety.