Preservation Methods For Shelf Stable Meals Minnesota

By Rebecca Jackson


Shelf table meals can last for an extended period depending on the method used in their preservation. Some can go even for five years if stored in the right conditions. There are different preservation methods used both commercially and in retail that one can take into consideration. Here are methods used to preserve Shelf Stable Meals Minnesota to take into account.

Canning process. Canning is suitable for preserving processed foods and their end products. Foods preserved using this process can last for three to five years. Free-dried products can even last for thirty years without spoilage. There is two canning process that one can adopt. One can use the boiling water process or pressure method. The boiling process is ideal for fruits whereas the pressure method is ideal for different types of meats.

Aseptic processing method. This method is common with milk products and juices. The content uses an ultra-high temperature system in sterilization. Also, one can also use a direct transfer of heat procedure that relies on steam injection or infusion. Sterilization of the container used in the container relies on radiation, hot water, heat, and chemical sterilizers.

Retortable pouch. The retortable pouch method uses flexible plastics and metal foils in the packaging process. It can handle foods and drinks commonly used in the aseptic procedure. One should preheat the food in high temperature for a few minutes. The pouches have a design that cannot permit entry of air that can spoil the food from outside. They are common in camping, field rations, and military and space foods.

Acidification. It is a combination of heat and acid method to preserve foods. It targets sour products such as fruit purees, juices, and other pasteurized products. The treatment process starts with heating at around one hundred and ninety-five Fahrenheit and the acidity level lowered to about 4.6 PH. The acid works as an inhibitor reducing the temperature used to heat the product during the initial stage.

Lowering the water content level. The presence of water in meals can support mold and yeast growth. Making a point of lowering the level of water reduces the possibility of yeast and mold growth. Drainage can be done by adding sugar or salt. The water content can decrease to an approximate of 0.65 according to the food content range. Water content above 0.75 is suitable enough to support the growth of yeast or mold.

The freeze drying. The freeze drying process starts with freezing the food then turned into water using a vacuum which results to a dehydrated product. The original shape and quality of the product remain through this process. The initial process can use a biological process using yeasts and bacteria, food processing or a biomedical process. It is common with meals needed for space exploration, military, and backpackers.

These measures have some setbacks despite their advantages. For starters, some of the additives in this process can lead to irritation ending up affecting some people. Also, there are possibilities of low flavor and a complete loss of necessary nutrients. Heating and freezing can quickly lower the nutrients levels. Finally, most manufacturers produce low rations that cannot suit a multiple serving.




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