As the gardening season comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about preserving your fresh produce for the months ahead. And what better way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round than by vacuum sealing your homemade tomato sauce?
Not only does vacuum sealing protect your sauce from oxygen and bacteria, but it also helps to extend its shelf life. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for vacuum sealing tomato sauce, including using jars and bags, and provide tips for storing and freezing your sauce.
So, grab your FoodSaver® 2-In-1 Vacuum Sealing System and let’s get started!
How To Vacuum Seal Tomato Sauce?
There are two main methods for vacuum sealing tomato sauce: using jars and using bags. Let’s take a closer look at each method.
Why Vacuum Sealing Is Important For Tomato Sauce Preservation
Vacuum sealing is an important method for preserving tomato sauce because it removes the oxygen from the packaging, which helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and mold. This means that vacuum-sealed tomato sauce can last anywhere from six months to three years, depending on the method used. When using jars, the FoodSaver® Wide-Mouth Jar Sealer can be used to create an airtight seal that locks in the freshness of the sauce. This method is especially useful for those who want to store their homemade tomato sauce for long periods of time. Alternatively, using bags is another effective way to vacuum seal tomato sauce. By freezing the sauce first and then vacuum sealing it in a bag or roll, you can ensure that it stays fresh for longer periods of time. Vacuum sealing your tomato sauce not only extends its shelf life but also helps to reduce food waste and spoilage, making it an essential tool for any home chef or food service operation.
Choosing The Right Containers For Vacuum Sealing Tomato Sauce
When it comes to vacuum sealing tomato sauce, it’s important to choose the right containers. There are a few options to consider, including jars and bags.
Jars are a popular choice for vacuum sealing tomato sauce. You can use Ball® and Kerr® Mason jars with a FoodSaver® Wide-Mouth Jar Sealer. This method involves pouring the sauce into a jar, applying the jar sealer with the accessory attachment on your 2-In-1 Vacuum Sealing System, and pressing the “Accessory Button.” Your jar will have a sturdy seal that’s oxygen-free and protected from mold. You can keep that sauce in the refrigerator for months now. However, if you want to go above and beyond with your fresh food saving, you could try freezing that jar too.
Another option is using bags. FoodSaver bags are available online and are specifically designed for vacuum sealing food. When using bags to vacuum seal tomato sauce, it’s important to freeze the substance first so it remains in solid form when you put it in the bag to be vacuum sealed. Once frozen solid, take it out of the freezer and gently edge the frozen sauce out of the container and into a FoodSaver bag or roll. Vacuum seal the bag the same way you would any other food item, moving the sauce back into the freezer afterward. This is an ultimate way to preserve fresh tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
When choosing containers for vacuum sealing tomato sauce, make sure they are freezer-safe and can stand up to tough temperatures. Ball® and Kerr® make special freezer-safe canning jars that can withstand drastic temperature changes. If you’re using a vacuum sealer, make sure the bag has a vacuum-sealing device. Using a vacuum-sealing device can help extend the life of your tomatoes.
How To Vacuum Seal Tomato Sauce In Jars
Vacuum sealing tomato sauce in jars is a great way to preserve the freshness and flavor of your homemade sauce. The easiest way to do this is by using a FoodSaver® Wide-Mouth Jar Sealer and a Ball® or Kerr® Mason jar.
To begin, pour your homemade tomato sauce into the jar, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. Then, attach the jar sealer to the top of the jar using the accessory attachment on your 2-In-1 Vacuum Sealing System. Make sure it is securely attached.
Next, press the “Accessory Button” on your vacuum sealer machine to begin the vacuum sealing process. This will remove all of the air from inside the jar, creating an oxygen-free environment that will keep your tomato sauce fresh for months.
Once the vacuum sealing process is complete, you can store your jar of tomato sauce in the refrigerator or freezer. If you choose to freeze it, make sure to use a Ball® or Kerr® freezer-safe canning jar that can withstand extreme temperatures.
If you don’t have a Ball® or Kerr® Mason jar, don’t worry! You can still vacuum seal most reused jars as long as they have a rubber ring inside the lid. To do this, you’ll need a FoodSaver vacuum canister set and follow similar steps as above.
Remember to label your jars with the contents and date to avoid any confusion later on. With this method, you can enjoy fresh tomato sauce all year round without worrying about it spoiling or losing its flavor.
How To Vacuum Seal Tomato Sauce In Bags
Vacuum sealing tomato sauce in bags is a great option if you’re looking to save space in your freezer. Here’s how to do it:
1. Freeze the sauce: Before you begin, freeze your tomato sauce in a container that is the same size or smaller than the bag you plan to use. This will help the sauce keep its shape and prevent it from spilling out of the bag.
2. Prepare the bag: Cut a piece of vacuum sealing bag that is large enough to hold your frozen sauce. Leave some extra space at the top of the bag for sealing.
3. Fill the bag: Use a canning funnel to pour the frozen tomato sauce into the bag. Fill it up to about ¾ full, leaving some space at the top for sealing.
4. Seal the bag: Place the open end of the bag into your vacuum sealer, making sure it is straight and flat. Close the lid and turn on the machine. The vacuum sealer will remove all of the air from the bag and seal it shut.
5. Label and store: Once you’ve sealed your tomato sauce, label the bag with the date and contents. Store it in your freezer for up to 12 months.
Some tips to keep in mind:
– Use a high-quality vacuum sealer to ensure a strong seal.
– Freeze your sauce before vacuum sealing to prevent spillage.
– Leave some extra space at the top of the bag for sealing.
– Label your bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
– Store your vacuum sealed tomato sauce in a cool, dry place in your freezer.
By following these steps, you can easily vacuum seal your tomato sauce in bags and enjoy fresh-tasting sauce all year round!
Storing And Freezing Vacuum Sealed Tomato Sauce
Once you have successfully vacuum sealed your tomato sauce, it’s important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Vacuum-sealed tomato sauce can last for up to 6 to 12 months if stored in a cool, dry place. However, once the vacuum seal is broken, it’s important to refrigerate the sauce and consume it within 2-3 weeks.
If you used a jar sealer to vacuum seal your tomato sauce, simply place the jars in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard. If you want to go above and beyond with your fresh food saving, you could try freezing the jars too. Ball® and Kerr® make special freezer-safe canning jars that can stand up to tough temperatures. Just treat the jar with care and thaw and freeze gradually, as glass can crack during drastic temperature changes.
If you used a bag to vacuum seal your tomato sauce, make sure to freeze the sauce first so it remains in solid form when you put it in the bag. You can put your sauce or diced tomatoes into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, gently edge the frozen sauce out of the container and into a FoodSaver® bag or roll. Vacuum seal the bag the same way you would any other food item, moving the sauce back into the freezer afterward.
Regardless of how you store it, tomato sauce will last at least two years if stored properly. However, if your tomato sauce has been opened, make sure you keep it refrigerated. Once opened, it should last at least three days in the refrigerator or two to five days in the freezer. If it has not reached its best quality, discard it. However, if it has become rusty or bulging, it is best to discard it.
With these tips, you can enjoy unmistakably fresh tomato sauce all year round!
Tips For Using Vacuum Sealed Tomato Sauce In Recipes
Once you have successfully vacuum sealed your tomato sauce, you may be wondering how to use it in your recipes. Here are some tips to get the most out of your vacuum sealed tomato sauce:
1. Use it in any recipe that calls for tomato sauce: Vacuum sealed tomato sauce can be used in any recipe that calls for tomato sauce, such as pasta sauces, soups, stews, and chili. Simply thaw the sauce and use it as you would any other tomato sauce.
2. Add herbs and spices: While vacuum sealed tomato sauce is delicious on its own, you can elevate its flavor by adding herbs and spices. Consider adding basil, oregano, garlic, or red pepper flakes to give your sauce a unique flavor.
3. Use it as a pizza sauce: Vacuum sealed tomato sauce makes a great pizza sauce. Simply spread the sauce on your pizza crust and add your favorite toppings.
4. Make a tomato soup: Use your vacuum sealed tomato sauce as a base for a delicious tomato soup. Add some cream or milk to make it creamy, or add some vegetables such as carrots or celery to make it heartier.
5. Use it as a dipping sauce: Vacuum sealed tomato sauce makes a great dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.
6. Experiment with different recipes: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes using your vacuum sealed tomato sauce. Try making a lasagna, baked ziti, or meatball subs using your homemade tomato sauce.
By vacuum sealing your homemade tomato sauce, you can enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes all year round. With these tips, you can make the most out of your vacuum sealed tomato sauce in a variety of recipes.
