Oxygen Absorbers Introduction & Why You Should Use Them

Written by Efooddehydrator.com Tuesday, 13 July 2010 20:30

The introduction of the use of oxygen absorbers into the emergency food and outdoor recreational foods industries in the early 1990s.  Because oxygen absorbers offer an excellent and very effective technology, developed in Japan, to ensure a very low residual oxygen level in appropriate containers, and it was very easy and relatively inexpensive to use.

At that time, the goal was to achieve a residual oxygen level of 2% or below for the canning of shelf-stable dried foods.  This was the level required by military specifications for long-term foods.  Oxidation and an atmosphere inhibiting microbial growth are significantly reduced at these low levels.  The military specified the #10 can for their long term storage of dried products.  By utilizing the appropriate size oxygen absorber, the residual oxygen levels could actually be reduced to 0.1% or less – a significant drop in oxygen levels.

It is important to note that oxygen absorber sachets were designed to be used by industrial manufacturers and packers of food products with the necessary expertise in working with the absorbers.  While simple to use, if the absorbers are not handled properly or sized correctly, you have wasted your time and money and have not achieved the expected outcome.  I have seen and heard of numerous situations where individuals have inappropriately utilized oxygen absorbers, and they will unfortunately not accomplish the results anticipated.  If you are going to use these devices, I recommend following the instructions in this article and talking to those who are educated in their proper use.

Why use an oxygen absorber?

There are essentially two reasons one would use an oxygen absorber – the prevention of oxidation, and the prevention of food damage by infestation.  This, of course, helps to increase the shelf life of most foods one chooses for food storage.  We'll start by discussing oxidation; infestation is addressed further on in this article.

Oxidation is responsible for the deterioration of foods, including the loss of flavor and taste, discoloration, deterioration and rancidity of fats and oils, texture change, and nutritional loss.  Some foods are more susceptible to oxidation deterioration than others.  It is important to know how susceptible the foods you are storing are to oxidation, because, as you will see, the type of container you store your foods in may at some point no longer be an adequate oxygen barrier.  Unfortunately, the issue of keeping foods in an oxygen-free environment is not easily understood by the do-it-yourself preparedness planner.  There is so much misinformation, speculation, confusion, and factual error that the average planner is at a disadvantage in learning the proper techniques.  Hopefully this article and others, along with the preparedness planner's careful research of trustworthy sources, will produce reliable results.

Determining the size of oxygen absorber

A number of sachet sizes are available, and the correct sachet will depend upon the container size and the void area (the empty space between the food item particles) in that container.  IMPORTANT: The Ageless brand of oxygen absorbers assigns their sizes with numbers that correspond to the oxygen “absorption capacity” in milliliters (ml) – this is the actual amount of oxygen that can be absorbed by the sachet.  Other companies may designate their sizes by the “equivalent air volume” in milliliters – this is the total air volume you have in the void area that includes oxygen, nitrogen, and a very small amount of other gases.  These are two different figures that it is important for you to know.  For your information, 1 gallon is equal to 3,785.4 cubic centimeters.

After you ascertain the void area of your container, you will have determined the equivalent air volume.  Since oxygen is approximately 20% of the normal air volume, divide the equivalent air volume by 5 to find the “absorption capacity” of each size sachet.  An Ageless Z100 will absorb 100 ml of oxygen contained in 500ml of air volume.

Obviously, a food item that has a large volume or irregular size will produce a larger void in a container; dried mushrooms, large beans, and certain dried vegetables would be an example of this.  The void in a container of powders, flours, small grains, and small beans would be less.

In general, camping food pouches use a Z30 or Z50, a #10 can a Z300 or Z500, and a 5 to 6 gallon bucket a Z1000 or Z2000, depending on the size of the food products and the void area.

Because only oxygen is absorbed by these packets, there will still be an approximately 80% inert nitrogen atmosphere in the container.  This will cause a partial vacuum effect, meaning that pouches will shrink slightly and become more compact, and in buckets there will be concave effect (top and sides will move slightly inward).

Advantages of quality oxygen absorbers

    * Reduces oxygen in an airtight container down to 0.1% or less to prolong a product’s shelf life.
    * Prevents oxidation and mold, bacteria, microorganisms, insect infestation and the like, which thrive in an oxygen-rich packaging environment.
    * Simple to use (when done properly).
    * Keeps food products from losing freshness, color, taste, flavor, wholesome goodness, and important nutritional value.
    * Conventional preservatives, antioxidants, gas flushing, and vacuum packing often are not effective because they do not completely eliminate oxygen.
    * Conventional and artificial preservatives may be undesirable to many and may produce adverse health affects.
    * Oxygen absorbers are safe to use.  They have been tested and found to be practically non-toxic.  The LD50 Value of the contents is safer than salt.
    * The sachet can be discarded through ordinary disposal methods, with no special treatment required.

Selection of a packaging container for use with an oxygen absorber

Of all the issues relating to the use of oxygen absorbers, this is the most confusing and misrepresented among the do-it-yourself group.  Remember, absorbers were designed with specific instructions for use by manufacturers and commercial packers.

Points to consider:

    * Oxygen absorbers were designed to work when inserted into cans, bottles, and film that offer a variety of airtight characteristics.
    * When using cans, make sure there is no leakage along seams.  While this container is not as practical to use for the do-it-yourself group, it is without a doubt the most reliable.
    * Glass bottles should have a tight seal between the bottle and closure.
    * Film pouches must be designed to have a negative to very low oxygen permeability.
    * Films have both an oxygen and vapor permeability rating.
    * The permeability or rate at which oxygen is transmitted through a film or material determines the length of time the container will remain oxygen free.
    * The permeability of metal and glass is zero.  It is the seams and closures that determine any leakage.
    * The permeability of aluminum foil is zero.
    * There are hundreds of combinations of various films for pouches.  No single barrier material is adequate for a pouch; it requires a combination of barrier materials to be laminated together.
    * Film materials with the proper barrier characteristics must be laminated together to create a pouch that will have a low permeability for an oxygen absorber to work properly.
    * The best pouches will include an aluminum foil barrier as one of the layers.
    * Pouches with evaporated or coated aluminum are not as good as solid foil.
    * While there are various plastic and nylon barriers that have a low permeability, they all will eventually allow the transmission of oxygen, and the oxygen levels in the pouches will increase.
    * The oxygen absorber can only absorb so much oxygen, and it too has a limited shelf life.
    * A general rule of thumb for a non-solid foil, laminated, high barrier pouch is a 3 year barrier viability life.
    * Low barrier pouches have a viability of 3 to 6 months depending on the film material.  Think “mylar” balloons filled with helium.
    * A laminated pouch with a solid foil barrier is generally between 4 and 7 years.

The issue with pouches

Inadequate or faulty seams and rough handling can cause what is known as pin holing or seam breakage in pouches.  The pouch has lost its integrity, and its low permeability rate has been compromised.  Excessive folding and squeezing pouches into buckets, too much handling, too much weight on a pouch, sharp food products within the pouch poking through, and other factors can contribute to large or even minute holes and tears.  Pouches with oxygen absorbers must be stored and handled properly to achieve the longest possible shelf life.

Also keep in mind that, because the container now has an oxygen absorber, an atmospheric pressure differential has been created (this is the tendency for the inside pressure to want to be equal to the outside pressure).  This means there will be an extra “pulling effect” on the seams and closures of the containers to “absorb” the outside atmosphere.  This is another reason for proper handling.

Plastic buckets and oxygen absorbers

While plastic buckets are much thicker (70 to 90 mil) than plastic laminated pouches, they are still plastic (polyethylene).  Oxygen will eventually be transmitted through the bucket.  Depending upon the thickness and seam stability of the bucket, the general rule would indicate a 2 to 5 year barrier viability life.  This means that in this period of time, the atmosphere in the bucket will equalize with the atmosphere outside the bucket.  Plastic bucket seams are susceptible to the “pulling effect” mentioned above and can cause oxygen seepage into the container.  Also, depending upon the environment, plastic buckets will eventually absorb moisture and odors.

TAKE NOTE: Without proper testing and industrial controls, residual oxygen levels in do-it-yourself packaging are based on assumption, speculation, guessing, and probability!   If you have access to equipment that tests residual oxygen levels in your container, you may want to consider some spot checking.

How to use an oxygen absorber

Using an oxygen absorber is relatively easy.  Make sure you are aware of all the procedures and characteristics of storage, sizing, containers, handling, and other fine points covered in this article.  Economical and safe to use, oxygen absorbers offer a way to create an oxygen-free environment, helping to improve shelf life.

Simply put your food in a high gas barrier film package, metal can, or glass bottle, put the appropriate size absorber in the container, and seal the container properly.

Points to consider:

    * Depending on the size of absorber, it will take 1 to 4 days to have produced an oxygen free (<0.1%) atmosphere.
    * Absorbers are packed in master high barrier bags of various quantities (depending on their size).  Check the tightness of the vacuum packed master bag.  If you hang the master bag from one end, the packets should not slip.  If they do, do not use that master bag.
    * After opening the master bag, spread out the needed quantity of packets.  The sachets that are not used should be resealed in a master bag or discarded if their exposure to air exceeds 4 hours.
    * Remaining sachets should be resealed in the master bag, or another high barrier film pouch or container, after pressing out the air.  A well-sealed glass container will work.
    * Do not pile up absorbers in a tray or holding container.  This may cause excessive heat build up.
    * Do not remove absorbers one by one, leaving the master bag open.
    * Handle master bags properly and store in a cool (below 85 degrees [F]) and dark place.
    * Do not use zip-lock plastic bags or other flimsy containers to store unused absorbers.
    * Ideally, if you obtain your absorbers while relatively fresh, use them no later than 6 to 12 months after receipt.

Prevention of damage by microorganisms (mold and aerobic [oxygen dependent] bacteria), insects, worms, and their eggs

    * By producing an oxygen-free (<0.1% for the Ageless absorber) environment, live organisms cannot grow and are eradicated.
    * Oxygen absorbers prevent the growth of microorganisms.
    * The oxygen-free packaging allows you to prevent both adult insects and their eggs from spoiling and damaging foods.
    * Testing that utilized the Ageless absorber found that all of the eggs, larvae, pupae, and grown insect of the Rust-red flour beetle, Weevil, Azuki weevil, and Almond moth were killed within 14 days – at 77 degrees (F).  The proper container with a zero to very low permeability rate and no holes or seam damage must be used.

The information contained in this article is general and should not take the place of the user’s own application tests.  Conditions of use vary depending on the specific applications of each user.  The user is responsible for the proper calculations and techniques of absorber application.

The time to start dehydrating foods at home is NOW!

Written by stephanie Monday, 10 May 2010 22:58

Hi,

If you have been thinking about food dehydrators, now is the time to buy!  I use and sell Excalibur food dehydrators and would highly recommend one.  If you want to see my videos on food dehydration, visit http://www.youtube.com/efooddehydrator.

Dehydrating your own foods at home offers the following benefits-

1. Saves you money on food~!
2. Saves you time preparing foods (just grab a jar of dehydrated onions)~!
3. Great snacks and treats for the entire family~!
4. Dehydrating food is fun and easy to do~!
5. Dehydrating food saves you space in your cupboard~!
6. You have a sense of satisfaction knowing what your family is eating~!
7. Create your garden and dehydrate any extras~!
8. Make a friend and dehydrate together~!
9. Learn something new and make it a hobby~!
10. In case of emergency, you have all that great dehydrated food in your basement~!

Find out more details about Excalibur food dehydrators by calling me @ 518-618-4442 or www.efooddehydrator.com.  See you soon!

Happy Dehydrating,

stephanie

What is the difference between the Excalibur 2900's & 3900's food dehydrator?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 April 2010 20:24 Written by Efooddehydrator.com Friday, 23 April 2010 02:46

Hi,

I wanted to get out a list of commonly asked questions about food dehydration.  This is the one that tops my list of questions.

Question- What is the difference between Excalibur 2900 & 3900 food dehydrators?

I will first start with the similarities of the two models-  Both the 2900 and 3900 offer 9 spacious trays, 15 square feet of drying space, 600 watts of power, 7" fan, temperature controls, drying guide, choose white or black, free shipping (via www.efooddehydrator.com).  Here is how they differ-

Excalibur 3900 food dehydrator offers upgraded plastics & electrical components, 10 year warranty, free Preserve It Naturally book (via www.efooddehydrator.com)
Excalibur 2900 food dehydrator offers 5 year warranty (via www.efooddehydrator.com)

Please let me know if you have any questions on Excalibur food dehydrators, vacuum sealers, dehydrated fruits and veggies or beyond.  I am happy to help.  Happy food dehydrating!

stephanie @ efooddehydrator.com

 

 

Rosemary & it's nutritional benefits

Written by Efooddehydrator.com Thursday, 29 April 2010 16:07

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a well-known culinary herb. However, you may not be aware that rosemary extract has a long history of medicinal uses too. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including stomach upsets, digestive disorders and headaches. Recent research is now revealing even more benefits attached to this remarkable herb...

Dried rosemary leaves are a popular seasoning for food... adding flavour to soups, stews, meat and fish.

Applied to the skin, rosemary essential oil helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating effect. For this reason, rosemary is a common ingredient used in many cosmetics, including skin toners, creams, soaps and hair products.

However, beyond being a flavouring-enhancer for certain foods and its use in cosmetics, you may not be aware that rosemary extract has a long history of medicinal uses too. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including stomach upsets, digestive disorders and headaches.

Recent research is now revealing even more benefits attached to this remarkable herb, including its ability to help prevent cancer and age-related skin damage, boost the functioning of the liver and act as a mild diuretic to help reduce swelling.

Two of the most important ingredients in rosemary, which are thought to be largely responsible for many of these therapeutic actions, are caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid - both are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.1

These two natural acids are effective at reducing inflammation which may contribute to asthma, liver disease and heart disease.2

Rosemary is proving an important defence against cancer

The antioxidants contained in rosemary help to protect your body's cells from damage by free radicals. They include monoterpenes, phenolic diterpenes and flavonoids, which are renowned for their ability to slow down the production of free radicals.3, 4

It is also a rich source of vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), another potent antioxidant, which contributes to its free radical fighting powers further still.5

DNA is your genetic blueprint, and it is particularly prone to injury from free radicals. Left unchecked, this damage can eventually lead to cells proliferating out of control, which greatly increases the risk of cancer.

Scientists from the department of Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute of Slovak Academy of Sciences, in the Slovak Republic, have found that rosemary extract can significantly help to protect DNA against free radical damage.6

By blocking oestrogen, rosemary helps prevent breast cancer

It is well known that an imbalance of oestrogen hormones in women can contribute to breast cancer. Several conventional drugs such as Tamoxifen are aimed at blocking the effects of oestrogen to help reduce this risk. However, Tamoxifen can cause a range of unpleasant side effects, including hot flushes, vaginal bleeding, headaches and nausea.

Fortunately, rosemary offers a safe and natural alternative treatment. Dr Zhu and colleagues from the Department of Chemical Biology, 
State University of New Jersey in the US, found that a 2 per cent concentration of rosemary extract given for three weeks was able to significantly inactivate excess oestrogen. Researchers believe that it works by stimulating liver enzymes, which inactivate oestrogen hormones like oestrone and oestradiol.7

Rosemary helps minimise the effects of ageing on your skin

As mentioned earlier, one of the traditional uses of rosemary is as a cosmetic. Recent research findings have now confirmed the skin-protective benefits it possesses.

According to researchers working at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Catania, in Italy, rosemary extract helps protect the individual components of skin cells, which may prevent age-related skin damage such as wrinkles.8

In a follow-up study the Italian researchers found that rosemary extract is able to exert even greater benefits. In particular, it was shown to safeguard a protective protein called HSP70. The role of this protein is to reduce damage caused by stress, free radicals and other toxins on the skin.9

Disarms harmful toxins and flushes them from your body

Another benefit rosemary extract has been shown to possess is an ability to inactivate toxins and then eliminate them from your liver, before they can inflict any serious damage.

French scientists from the National Institute of Agronomic Research in Dijon, found that rosemary extract encouraged detoxifying enzymes - including cytochrome P450, glutathione transferase and quinone reductase - to flush harmful toxins from the liver.10

In effect, rosemary stimulates your liver to work more efficiently, which helps you feel more healthy and energetic.

Rosemary helps combat the effects of water retention

Rosemary also has therapeutic properties as a mild diuretic - making it effective in reducing swollen ankles and bloating. Dr M Halaoui from the department of Biology, University of Fez in Morocco, has studied the effects of rosemary extract's diuretic actions on the kidney.

He found that a daily dose of rosemary extract in liquid form can improve kidney function significantly, increase urine flow, and preserve the essential minerals sodium, potassium and chlorium.11

This is important because conventional diuretics (water tablets) may actually worsen kidney function by speeding up the elimination of these essential minerals from the body.

What to take for best results

The recommended dosage is two 400mg rosemary capsules up to three times a day.

Warning: Pregnant women should not take rosemary extract. In addition, you should not take rosemary supplements if you suffer from high blood pressure or epilepsy.


1. Masuda T et al. J Agric Food Chem 2002;50(21):5863-5869
2. al-Sereiti MR et al. Indian J Exp Biol 1999; 37(2):124-130
3. Saen-Lopez R et al. J Chromatogr A 2002953(1-2):251-256
4. Lee KG, Shibamoto T. J Agric Food Chem 2002; 50(17):4947-4952
5. Torre J et al. J Chromatogr A 2001;919(2):305-311
6. Slamenova D et al. Cancer Lett 2002;177(2):145-153
7. Zhu BT et al. Carcinogenesis 1998:19(10):1821-1827
8. Calabrese V et al. Int J Tissue React 2000;22(1):5-13
9. Calabrese V et al. Int J Tissue React 2001;23(2):51-58
10. Debersac P et al. Food Chem Toxicol 2001:39(9):907-918
11. Halaoui M et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2000; 71(3):465-472