Why It's Important To Use Freezer Bags Over Regular Plastic Storage Ones
When it comes to storing leftovers, plastic containers or plastic bags are the way to go. Plastic bags are pretty affordable and don't take up a whole lot of space. They come in a variety of sizes, making them the perfect storage solution for food and random knickknacks. If you're anything like us, you've probably been in a situation where you've needed to reuse a plastic bag. After all, why waste something that seems to be working perfectly fine? It does beg the question: is it even safe to reuse a plastic bag? The simple answer is that it depends. According to Taste of Home, if you're storing anything that's not raw meat, you can simply wash the bag, let it dry, then use it again.
Aside from storage, plastic bags have some helpful cooking uses as well. In a pinch, Ziplock plastic bags can be used to sous vide. Sous vide is a cooking technique that involves vacuum sealing food and submerging it in a water bath, to ensure perfectly cooked meat and vegetables (per Anova). The key with sous vide is to ensure that no water or air leaks into the bag, which is why silicone bags or high-quality plastic bags are the preferred choices.
When you head to the store, you may not think twice about whether you're purchasing a freezer bag or a regular plastic bag. The name isn't just a marketing ploy, there's actually a major difference in the type of bag.
All bags are not created equal
How many of us have purchased plastic bags or freezer bags, not knowing if there was a difference between the two? While both plastic zipper bags come in the same size, same sealing mechanism, and same plastic material, there is one major difference. According to Taste of Home, freezer plastic bags are thicker than standard plastic bags. The reason for the extra thickness is to protect the food and be more durable for storing food in the freezer.
One of the worst things about storing fresh meat or leftovers in the freezer is opening up the bag weeks later to see it's been ruined by freezer burn. Freezer bags provide an extra layer of protection from colder temperatures and excessive moisture. Of course, if you need to freeze something and you only have regular bags, they'll work in a pinch. Since the bags aren't as thick, you may want to consider doubling up for long-term storage. Freezer bags can also be used to store food in the fridge or even store household items, like batteries and nails, that could more easily puncture a standard plastic bag.