6 helpful tips to vacuum seal food safely

6 helpful tips to vacuum seal food safely

Vacuum sealing is a packaging method that has been gaining popularity of late due to its ability to keep food fresh and tasty for longer. This technique employs a machine that limits exposure to oxygen by creating an airtight seal surrounding the food. However, not many people pay attention to how they vacuum seal their food. Keep reading to learn some simple tips to extract the most out of food vacuum sealers.

  1. Allow items to cool before vacuum sealing- One of the most important tips to remember when vacuum sealing food is always to let it cool down to room temperature before packing it away. Ignoring this step could trap moisture inside the bag, even with proper air removal, causing freezer burn.
  2. Leave space at the top- One must avoid filling their sealable bags to the top. Instead, leave some space for the air removal and make a seal. Some machines may require more space than others, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
  3. Freeze meats before sealing- When it comes to vacuum sealing raw meat, it is always a good idea to freeze it beforehand. It prevents bacterial activity during thawing and preserves all the meat’s natural juices, allowing one to cook safer, more succulent cuts of meat.
  4. Use folded wax paper for foods with sharp edges- Foods with sharp edges, such as meats, beef jerky, and dehydrated foods, can tear through or rupture sealable bags. To avoid this from happening and ensure a tight seal, cover the sharp edges with folded wax paper.
  5. Blanch bright veggies before sealing- To help fresh vegetables retain their nutritional value and bright color, one should blanch them before vacuum sealing them. Alternatively, arrange fresh fruits and vegetables on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for a few hours before sealing them. This is also a great way to preserve their nutrients and avoid freezer burn.
  6. Freeze soup before sealing- Sealing liquids such as soups or gravies can be a messy affair. To avoid frustration, put the food in a bag and fold it over the top one to three times. Secure the bag with a non-sharp clip and freeze it for four to eight hours. Once it reaches a semi-solid or solid state, it can be vacuum sealed easily.

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6 errors that affect the operation of a power plant

The operation of a power station is a complex task that requires experience, precision, and knowledge. These places are designed to produce electricity and distribute power to a huge population for residential, industrial, and institutional usage. However, operating power stations involves significant risks and challenges that can affect their efficiency, safety, and reliability. It is, therefore, crucial to be aware of the possible errors when operating a power station and devise strategies to avoid them. Neglecting safety protocols Overlooking safety procedures and protocols is perhaps the most critical error that can be made when operating a power station. These places have a high hazard risk with the need for strict safety requirements that are in place to avoid accidents and injuries. Safety practices can include simple acts like wearing the proper gear, avoiding shortcuts, and ensuring the plant is ventilated. When operating a power plant, it is equally important to be trained in hazard identification, first aid, and emergency response procedures. Skipping maintenance Power stations are complex setups that need to undergo regular maintenance for proper functioning. This includes cleaning, replacing, and lubricating machine parts. In addition to that, undergoing regular inspections ensures that the power station can take care of potential problems in a timely manner. This includes the inspection and maintenance of turbines, boilers, and generators. The failure to do so can result in a power outage, system failure, and damage to the system. Ignoring environmental standards One of the common errors that can be made when operating a power station is by ignoring environmental standards and regulations. Power plants significantly contribute to pollution levels, thereby impacting public health and the environment. It is, therefore, important that power stations meet all the regulations that have been set by the state and federal authorities along with the local ones. Regulations might include hazardous waste disposal, wastewater discharge limits, and emission limits. It is the duty of the plant operator to implement measures that help reduce their environmental footprint. Underestimating teamwork Underestimating the power of communication and teamwork is another area where errors can be made when operating a power station. Successfully running a power station requires the combined efforts of trained engineers, professionals, operators, technicians, and managers. To ensure everyone is working in synchronization, it is important to maintain communication. Encouraging teamwork and ensuring everyone is aware of their roles is the sure way to start building a well-oiled teamed. Ignoring cybersecurity Since power plants are vulnerable to cyber attacks, they stand the risk of their security, safety, and reliability being compromised. Cyberattacks on a power plant can include risks like hacking the plant’s computer system, stealing confidential information, and more. To prevent such malicious incidents, robust power plant cybersecurity measures need to be implemented. Antivirus software, firewalls, and data encryption need to be taken care of. In addition, make sure regular cybersecurity training and vulnerability assessment are a part of the employee training process. Neglecting energy efficiency Energy efficiency is a critical factor in the operation of a power plant since it consumes a huge amount of resources and energy. Measures to ensure energy efficiency include optimizing processes, advanced control systems, and implementation of energy-saving technology. Opportunities to reduce wastage can be identified by consistently monitoring the station’s energy consumption patterns.

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10 things not to do at a funeral

Due to the grief, pain, and loss that surrounds the death of a loved one, the incident and the proceedings after are rarely spoken about. However, this lack of knowledge could lead to people engaging in rude behavior, especially during funerals and memorial ceremonies. This could lead to a fair amount of hurt, upset, and embarrassment. To help avoid this situation, here are 10 things to not do at a funeral: Laugh out of turn There’s no telling what one may find funny, even in serious situations such as funerals or memorial services. However, laughing is generally considered rude in these instances, save during some speeches or eulogies. If one finds something humorous during a ceremony, stepping out to compose oneself may be a good idea. Arrive late It is always advisable to show up 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. This leaves space for one to be seated comfortably before the family starts walking down the aisle. If one shows up late, it is better to make a discreet entrance and sit on one of the side pews. Take pictures without permission Taking any pictures of the memorial service without the express permission of the family may be seen as a sign of great disrespect. It is recommended to avoid this entirely. Be on the phone Many people forget to put their phones on silent before walking into a funeral service. This could end up being an uncomfortable or even embarrassing scenario if the phone begins to ring. It is advisable to shut the phone, put it on silent, or leave it at home before the service. Wear “loud” clothes Each funerary service is different, but it is a good rule of thumb to wear something respectful and appropriate. Avoid wearing loud or shiny colors, bold prints, and short clothes unless explicitly stated otherwise. If there are religious practices in place for such situations, follow those. For those who are unsure about what to wear, it may be a good idea to call the funeral home and ask for the general tone and attire of the service. Make distracting noises Don’t make any distracting noises during a ceremony or service. This may include chewing gum loudly, picking at one’s clothes, or simply being on one’s phone. Slip out the back It is always a good idea to stay until the end of the ceremony and pay one’s respects to loved ones in mourning. Slipping out the back during a service may be perceived as a sign of disrespect. Post on social media Many people feel the urge to post about their day and takeaways on social media, but funerals are hardly the place to do so. If one does not have the express permission of the family, it is best to avoid talking about the day on social media entirely. Make negative comments about the deceased person While this one is obvious, many people end up making this mistake. Even if one may not have had the best relationship with the deceased person, it is advisable to avoid saying anything negative about them. Tell people how to grieve Grief is an extremely personal process. Avoid making statements like “time heals all wounds” or “they are in a better place now” - these can come off as dismissive and negative. Instead, let people work on their grief and their wounds at their own pace.

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