Vacuum Packing

Vacuum packing removes air from a package before sealing it, typically by placing an item in plastic film, extracting the air and sealing the film, sometimes with a shrink film for a tight fit. Removing the oxygen inhibits the growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi and slows the evaporation of volatile components, extending shelf life, and it is commonly used for dry goods such as cereals, nuts, cured meats, cheese, smoked fish, coffee and potato chips; for items prone to crushing, such as potato chips, nitrogen gas can replace the removed air to protect the product while still limiting spoilage. Vacuum packaging for home use is sold as plastic bags, canisters, bottles and mason jars with dedicated sealing devices.