Introduction
If you’re a prepper, a food storage enthusiast, or someone who wants to keep their food fresh for a long time, then you’ve probably heard of oxygen absorbers. These small packets are used to remove oxygen from food packaging, which helps prevent spoilage, mold, and bacteria growth. But the question is, how many oxygen absorbers should you use for your food storage? In this article, we’ll give you the answer.
Understanding Oxygen Absorbers
Before we dive into the number of oxygen absorbers you should use, let’s discuss how they work. Oxygen absorbers contain iron powder, salt, and clay, which react to oxygen by creating rust. This reaction absorbs the oxygen in the packaging, leaving behind nitrogen, which is an inert gas that doesn’t cause food spoilage.
Factors to Consider
The number of oxygen absorbers you need will depend on several factors, such as:
- The type of food you’re storing
- The size of the packaging
- The amount of oxygen in the packaging
Food Type
Different types of food have different oxygen requirements. For example, grains and dry beans require less oxygen than fruits and vegetables. Meat and dairy products require the least amount of oxygen, while baked goods and snacks require more.
Package Size
The size of the packaging also affects the number of oxygen absorbers you need. Smaller packages require fewer oxygen absorbers than larger packages. This is because larger packages have more oxygen that needs to be absorbed.
Oxygen Levels
The amount of oxygen in the packaging is another factor to consider. If you’re using vacuum-sealed bags or jars, then the oxygen level will be low, and you’ll need fewer oxygen absorbers. If you’re using regular food storage bags, then the oxygen level will be higher, and you’ll need more oxygen absorbers.
Calculating the Number of Oxygen Absorbers
Now that you understand the factors that affect the number of oxygen absorbers you need, let’s calculate the number based on a few scenarios.
Scenario 1: Storing Grains
If you’re storing grains like rice or wheat in a 5-gallon bucket, you’ll need about 3000cc of oxygen absorbers. This is equivalent to 6 to 8 packets of 500cc oxygen absorbers.
Scenario 2: Storing Fruits and Vegetables
If you’re storing fruits and vegetables in a 5-gallon bucket, you’ll need about 6000cc of oxygen absorbers. This is equivalent to 12 to 16 packets of 500cc oxygen absorbers.
Scenario 3: Storing Meat and Dairy Products
If you’re storing meat and dairy products in a 5-gallon bucket, you’ll need about 1500cc of oxygen absorbers. This is equivalent to 3 to 4 packets of 500cc oxygen absorbers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of oxygen absorbers you need depends on several factors, such as the type of food, package size, and oxygen levels. By understanding these factors, you can calculate the number of oxygen absorbers you need to keep your food fresh for a long time. Remember, it’s better to use too many oxygen absorbers than too few. So, stock up on these packets and keep your food safe from spoilage.