The issue I have with using #10 cans of dehydrated foods is I don’t use the entire can in a couple months. Normally, I fill a 1-quart canning jar to cook out of that one and the remaining amount is re-packed in three canning jars with absorbers for later use.
Today, I had to open another #10 can but didn’t have any extra canning jars. So I decided to try vacuum bagging the remaining amount and put the bagged amount back into the #10 can. It worked out perfectly. Now when I need to re-fill the working jar I simply will cut off the top of the sealed bag, re-fill the working jar and re-vacuum-seal the same bag for next time I need a refill. Quick and easy! The width of the bag stock used is 8 inches wide by 12 inches long.
I have not had a rodent problem in all the years of storing food so I’m hoping that the cans plastic lid will deter any rodents should they find a way into my storage area. We’ll see.
I had an anonymous commenter suggest that after opening and bagging the remaining contents, store the #10 can upside down on its’ plastic lid. If a rodent did chew on the lid they would hopefully be stopped when they got to the metal of the can.
Here’s the #10 can, the 1-quart canning jar, the vacuum sealer and the remaining contents of the can vacuum bagged with an oxygen absorber inside.
The remaining bagged contents of the can slipped inside the original can.
The bags top is folded over and fits nicely inside the original can.
The cans plastic lid on and the 1-quart canning jar I bake or cook from.
Summary; instead of using canning jars for storing the unused food, (currently about 30 are needed), I can now use the same #10 can to store the unused contents back into for storage. With this method, I will save a considerable amount of food storage shelf space by not using canning jars for storage and now be able to use that saved space for other food items. When it comes to prepping storage you can never have enough shelf space!
This is excellent! I tend to resist opening my #10 cans for this exact reason - I know how long it will take me to use up the entire contents, and I don't know how to keep the leftovers fresh until I am ready to use them. Genius! Thanks so much for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Trish, I always try to find better and smarter ways to store and prepare prepping foods and this one will save me shelf space and allow opening a variety of #10 cans to continually test and make better recipes. I believe some very difficult times are ahead for the USA. If so, I will be able to eat until I can figure a way out of the country and live the rest of my life happy.
DeleteYour life in Honduras sound rewarding and fun. Keep it up. Do you have a blog so we can follow along?
My blog is www.sowers4pastors.blogspot.com
DeleteIt's mostly about our ministry work now, but there are many general posts about what it's like to live in Honduras, in the archives. My most read posts are about the time my son and I were kidnapped . . .
When you place the can on the shelf, would it work for you to put the can upside down? That way the mice will not have access to the plastic cover.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Thank-you :-)
DeleteIt seems the older I get the simple ideas don't come easy.
Nice try, but out here in the vast "flyover" country of forested Midwest FUSA--I have had mice, rats, squirrels and Heaven knows what else--gnaw and nibble those tasty lids right off. The--their fun begins--what they can't eat, they spread around and then urinate and defecate upon.
ReplyDeleteNope--I had to go to the metal Ball lids on all glass containers.
Anon, well, you know you have the issue and using canning jars will solve it. I would look to find out where the critters are getting in at and repair it because everything is at risk where you’re storing the food.
DeleteI notice you use a Rival sealer. Do you like it? I have had 2 Foodsavers, and I don't get a reliable seal. Looking for another brand.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose,
DeleteYes, I like and recommend the Rival unit. I’ve had it for three years and still works perfectly.
I also had two FoodSavers, the first one broke after about 4-5 dozen bags and after a few months of food storaged had about 20% bag seal failures. The second one also had about the same seal failure rate plus it was temperamental meaning sometimes it would not get to a full vacuum and want to run endlessly trying to get a full vacuum.
I have started putting my freeze dried items into the foodsaver storage containers. They seal well, can be opened the amount needed removed and resealed. The stack well and they are resealable. I haven't had any failures with this yet.
ReplyDeleteI hate the plastic Ball storage lids. They do not actually seal like the metal lids. Moths can get in or lay eggs near the top rim of the jar. I have pictures! Rats, mice, and bugs absolutely cannot get into glass jars with metal lids. I love Ball jars.
ReplyDelete