Sealing Mylar food bags is an important step in ensuring the long-term freshness and preservation of your food items. There are a few different methods you can use to effectively seal these bags, but I will share with you what I believe to be the best way based on my personal experiences as a sommelier and brewer.
1. Prepare the items and oxygen absorbers: Before sealing the Mylar bag, make sure your food items are properly prepared. This may involve portioning them into individual servings or arranging them in a way that minimizes excess air in the bag. Additionally, it is crucial to include oxygen absorber packets in the bag to help remove any remaining oxygen, which can lead to spoilage.
2. Place the oxygen absorber packet: Once your food items are ready, insert an appropriate-sized oxygen absorber packet into the bag. The number of packets needed will depend on the size of the bag and the amount of air space inside. It is generally recommended to use one 300cc oxygen absorber packet for every gallon of bag volume.
3. Additional oxygen absorbers for larger bags: If you are sealing a larger Mylar bag, it may be beneficial to add more oxygen absorbers to ensure optimal freshness. For example, if you are using a 5-gallon bag, you could consider using five 300cc oxygen absorber packets to effectively remove any excess oxygen.
4. Sealing the bag: Now it's time to seal the bag. To do this, you can use a medium-hot clothes iron or a hair straightener. Start by plugging in your chosen tool and allowing it to heat up. While it's heating, make sure the top of the bag is clean and free from any food debris or moisture.
5. Ironing the bag: Once your iron or hair straightener is hot, carefully run it across the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the bag, applying gentle pressure. Move the iron in a smooth, continuous motion, ensuring that you cover the entire width of the bag. Repeat this process 1-2 times, depending on the thickness of the bag, until you have created a secure seal.
6. Final check and storage: After sealing the bag, it is essential to check for any potential leaks or weak spots. Gently press on the sealed area to ensure it feels firm and airtight. If you notice any issues, you can reseal the bag using the same method. Once you are confident in the seal, store the Mylar bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures for optimal preservation.
The best way to seal Mylar food bags is by placing an oxygen absorber packet inside the bag with the items, adding more oxygen absorbers to larger bags if necessary, and running a medium-hot clothes iron or hair straightener quickly and carefully across the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the bag 1-2 times until it is sealed. This method ensures the removal of excess oxygen and creates an airtight seal, which is crucial for maintaining the freshness and longevity of your food items.