question about vacuum sealed food

[mmac1318]

I am thinking about maybe making some of my own meals when I go out west and bivouac hunt for elk. I am wondering how long cooked meat (venison,Salmon,beef) would last not refridgerated in my pack if it vacuum sealed? Would it last any longer if I used canned meats and vac sealed them?

[SpawnSac27]

Canned meats would last longer and be okay if you vacuum seal them. Cooked meats, however, will not last without being refridgerated. They will spoil quickly. Just make up a bunch of jerky for the trip :lol:

[alex-v]

If the meat is properly cooked it could last as long as 3 days if the vacuum seal does not break. The meat and/or fish should be lightly smoked since the salt acts to prevent bacteria growth. The smoke itself will also work to prevent growth of bacterias.

Another good idea would be to seperate the meat/fish from the other ingredients in the meal and mix them together after opening the packets. The life of these packets of food can be extended if they are frozen and kept frozen until the last minute. Then, wrap in with the other stuff in the pack to help insulate the packets for as long as possible.

What you could do is vacuum package a couple of trial packets and test it out. Keep in mind that meats bought in supermarkets are vacuum packed before shipping to the retailer. Some of these meats are good for up to two months before consuming if the vacuum is not broken.

Canned meats would last longer and be okay if you vacuum seal them. Cooked meats, however, will not last without being refridgerated.
I do not understand this. Meat available in a can is cooked meat. If that would be OK to vacuum pack then why not just vacuum pack his own cooked meats for his meals.

[mmac1318]

I also considered using smoked/cured meats for this thinking the salt may impede bacteria growth but I do not know enough about preserving food to take any chances without some more advice. I am just wondering how is it that MRE's are able to last so long without refrideration? They are a prepared food that is vac sealed. Is it because they are loaded with preservatives anyone know?
If I have to I will just keep using the freeze dried backpackers meals or MRE's but if possible I would like to make the things I like to eat and possibly make them cheaper.

[Islander26]

Canned meats would last longer and be okay if you vacuum seal them. Cooked meats, however, will not last without being refridgerated. They will spoil quickly. Just make up a bunch of jerky for the trip :lol:

Why would you want to vacuum seal meat that is already canned? I would think the can will protect it perfectly fine without the vacuum seal bag over it........sorry I had to:evil:

If your talking taking the meat out of the can then vacuum sealing it...not a good idea at all.