This Vacuum-Sealing Hack Is Surprisingly Simple and Works in Less than 30 Seconds
Keeping food fresh for longer periods of time has benefits that span beyond the kitchen. Using what you have can save you time (no need to run to the store for that missing ingredient) and money (no exceeding your grocery budget on it, either). Plus, as we all know, less consumption equals less strain on planet earth. One way to extend the shelf life of your groceries? Vacuum-sealing!
If you don’t have a vacuum-sealer to remove air out of packaging, Instagram apparently has you covered: All you need is a plastic baggie and a bowl of water (no, seriously). According to this now-viral Reel by well-known life hacker Sid, you can DIY a vacuum seal by closing a Ziploc bag *almost* all the way, then dip the part you want to seal in water (apparently, the temperature doesn’t make a difference). The result? The bag seals itself!
Commenters, as you can imagine, were excited to learn it’s this easy to vacuum-seal in the kitchen. But one person makes a really good point to keep in mind. While this hack is definitely convenient and might keep food from air, it’s not a 100 percent seal: “Removing 95% of oxygen with an actual vacuum seale[r] is the only way and extends food for up to a year. Just spend $50 and get one.”
Want to try the hack at home yourself? Think of it as a science experiment that might help your food stay a little fresher before you eat it. Of course, you should still follow food safety guidelines and not eat anything that’s past its expiration date or looks past its prime. (As for keeping fresh blueberries edible for months, try this freezing method.)