To vacuum seal pears effectively, especially since they can bruise easily, the key is to pre-freeze them before sealing. This prevents the vacuum sealing process from crushing the soft fruit.
Here's a simple breakdown of the steps, incorporating the recommended pre-freezing method:
Steps to Vacuum Seal Pears
Following this process helps maintain the shape and quality of your pears when vacuum sealing for long-term storage.
- Wash and Dry: Begin by thoroughly washing your pears under cool water. Pat them completely dry using a clean towel or allow them to air dry. Removing moisture is crucial for effective vacuum sealing and preventing freezer burn.
- Prepare (Optional): Depending on how you plan to use them later, you can peel, core, or slice the pears at this stage. For whole pears, simply proceed to the next step.
- Pre-freeze: This is a vital step for pears. Lay the washed and dried (and optionally prepared) pears in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer until the pears are frozen solid. This flash freezing hardens them, protecting them from pressure during vacuum sealing.
- Vacuum Seal: Once the pears are frozen solid, remove them from the freezer. Place the frozen pears into a vacuum seal bag. Ensure the seal area of the bag is clean and dry. Follow the instructions for your specific vacuum sealer to remove the air and seal the bag.
By pre-freezing the pears on a cookie sheet first, you prevent them from being crushed by the vacuum pressure, avoiding a result like a "vacuum packed smoothie" as mentioned in the reference. This method ensures your pears retain their structure and quality when stored.
Vacuum-sealed pears can be stored in the freezer for an extended period, helping you preserve your harvest or purchase for future use in baking, smoothies, sauces, or other dishes.
