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firstTIMER420
Born the son of a sharecropper..



Registered: 05/08/15
Posts: 1,025
Loc: US, maybe?
Last seen: 6 years, 4 days
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Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions
#21778021 - 06/08/15 09:55 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Hey all, I am looking to purchase a vacuum sealer so I can store my harvests.
I have a couple questions: What is the best way YOU have found to dry your harvests before vacuum sealing them in a bag?
Do you have to include a desiccant in the vacuum sealed bag if storing them for a long time( a couple months-years)?
How long does a bag of dried and vacuum sealed mushies last before going bad?
Where should one store the vacuum sealed bags of mushies(Fridge, safe, freezer...etc)?
What type and brand of vacuum sealer is the best bang for your buck? I am looking to purchase one but not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on it, please let me know the name and model of the one you recommend(or used) and the cost of it, as well as where you found it if you remember.
On the subject of spore syringes, where do you find is the best place to store them for an average period of time(a couple months - 6 months), and in what do you store them(regular bag vs. vacuum sealed bag, etc)
If there is any other info on the subject of drying and storage that you would recommend or would like to pass on, please feel free to do so, it will be much appreciated!
thank you, and have a good day!
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CliftonGK1
Sasquatch



Registered: 03/27/13
Posts: 327
Loc: A place
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: firstTIMER420]
#21778130 - 06/08/15 10:24 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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I can't answer all the questions, but here's my experience with 2 things that I also use for my regular kitchen stuff:
L'equip Model 528 dehydrator. It's got a temperature dial, circulator fan, and 6 stackable trays that have inserts for small items. You can get it for about $100, and I've been using mine pretty consistently for the past 5 years. Solid investment.
Sous Vide Supreme vacuum sealer. Positive locking lid with dual pushbutton release. Replaceable foam gasket. Vacuum and Seal-only modes. Again, been using mine for about 4 years and it's still going strong. Not bad for $100 (and it came with 3 rolls of sealing bags. Although, the stuff it comes with, as well as FoodSaver brand bags kinda suck, and I prefer the heavier weight Glad brand sealer bags.
As for storage; keep 'em where you think they're safe. I don't store mine on desiccant when vac-packed, and they still stave off my headaches after 6 - 8 months of storage at room temp.
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firstTIMER420
Born the son of a sharecropper..



Registered: 05/08/15
Posts: 1,025
Loc: US, maybe?
Last seen: 6 years, 4 days
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: CliftonGK1]
#21778159 - 06/08/15 10:34 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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thanks for the input, I was going to go with a foodsaver sealer cause it was only like 30$ and comes with 10 bags and a container, but now im rethinking that idea. its handheld as well so its pretty small. I don't think ill be using I that often as I only have cakes going at the moment, but im going to make the step up to monotubs real soon, as I want some ACTUAL harvests.. also might be stepping up to agar, seems difficult and im gonna read up more on it before I do. This is the sealer, tell me what you think. http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-FSFRSH0063-035-FreshSaver-Handheld-Starter/dp/B008527X78/ref=lp_1090768_1_19?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1433764494&sr=1-19
Still, the concept of monotubs and casing and all that seems kinda confusing to me right now, so again I still need to read up more.
As far as the dehydrator, I have a feeling when I start doing those I will need a good dehydrator and sealer because off all the mushies I will have.. any suggestions for te 40-60$ range for dehydrators?
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CliftonGK1
Sasquatch



Registered: 03/27/13
Posts: 327
Loc: A place
Last seen: 4 hours, 50 minutes
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: firstTIMER420]
#21778300 - 06/08/15 11:14 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Presto, Nesco, and Ronco all make good dehydrators in the $40-ish range.
As for that handheld sealer, I'm not so certain on it. Looks like you have to use that particular type of bag with it, and that limits you in the future. If you're looking to save money, check FoodSaver's website. They have some remanufactured models on there for $50-ish instead of closer to $100.
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chasingwaterfalls
stranger everyday
Registered: 06/01/15
Posts: 38
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: CliftonGK1]
#21778397 - 06/08/15 11:35 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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If you don't wanna pull the trigger on a food dehydrator just yet, i use a box fan about half a foot off the floor, pointing down at the floor, with a screen mesh meant for windows on top. I got the fan on lowest setting, and i've noticed that the shrooms do not get any drier after around 1.5-2 days (just about rock hard, I can crush with my fingers if I really try)
Then I still in a tupperware container filled with an inch or two of Damprid. I place another folded sheet of screen mesh so the shrooms won't touch the desiccant. Within 3 days, the fattest of stems are indeed ready.
I use a Ziploc vacuum sealer, purely because my roommate already has one. I've only kept my vacuum-sealed bags in a dark cabinet, and the oldest ones from 13 months ago did not have a noticeable difference in potency/any molding from opening a bag two days ago =P
I'm glad I don't have to skimp on a vacuum sealer, as I believe it helps immensely with my longer-term storage, but not having a dehydrator hasn't hurt me yet
-------------------- Boy, is it fun talking about imaginary things
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firstTIMER420
Born the son of a sharecropper..



Registered: 05/08/15
Posts: 1,025
Loc: US, maybe?
Last seen: 6 years, 4 days
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: CliftonGK1]
#21780721 - 06/08/15 08:54 PM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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ive been looking on foodsavers website and been thinking about getting one of the refurbished ones, but it seems a lot of people are having problems with them, they also have one for 10$ more and its not refurbished that seems like a solid investment http://www.foodsaver.com/vacuum-sealers/the-foodsaver-v2244-vacuum-sealer/FSFSSL2244-P00.html#start=20&sz=12
Is foodsaver a reputable brand? and what do you think about the one I linked.
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CliftonGK1
Sasquatch



Registered: 03/27/13
Posts: 327
Loc: A place
Last seen: 4 hours, 50 minutes
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: firstTIMER420]
#21782011 - 06/09/15 07:46 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
firstTIMER420 said:
Is foodsaver a reputable brand? and what do you think about the one I linked.
They're a great brand, and the one you linked is very similar to the one I have from Sous Vide. If you've got the funds, I say buy it.
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mushpunx
Fungus Punk



Registered: 04/20/14
Posts: 13,394
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: CliftonGK1]
#21782561 - 06/09/15 10:19 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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I dont bother with desiccant. I use a dehydrator to dry my mushrooms
I use those vacuum bags you get for 5 bux at wallmart, I put my mushrooms in, put a vaccuum up to the valve and pull the air out, then cap
--------------------
 Amateur Mycologists United AMU Q&A
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Buck513

Registered: 04/17/14
Posts: 5,682
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: mushpunx]
#21782724 - 06/09/15 10:55 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Fans are next to impossible to get thick/dense fruits cracker dry.
Dehydrators are the shit. 24 hours and everything is bone dry. I'm still using this "american harvest" dehydrator I got for free. Works like a charm. Fucker is at least 10-15 years old
-------------------- Fail to plan and you plan to fail. Enter the Ban Lottery
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firstTIMER420
Born the son of a sharecropper..



Registered: 05/08/15
Posts: 1,025
Loc: US, maybe?
Last seen: 6 years, 4 days
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: Buck513]
#21787865 - 06/10/15 11:07 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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I was looking at dehydrators, what brand and I heard it needs to run at 100F or less, that true? As far as vacuum sealers, do you have to pjt desiccant in the bag when you vac seal it to ensure no humidity leaks in?
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Buck513

Registered: 04/17/14
Posts: 5,682
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: firstTIMER420]
#21787938 - 06/10/15 11:31 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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No. I set my dehydrator to 160f and it works fine.
I would suggest adding desiccant to a vacuum sealed bag
-------------------- Fail to plan and you plan to fail. Enter the Ban Lottery
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TravelAgency
The ongoing "wow"

Registered: 12/25/10
Posts: 4,431
Last seen: 11 months, 22 days
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: Buck513]
#21788034 - 06/10/15 12:04 PM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Honestly- I had great success with the Alton Brown Dehydrator: a box fan with a budgie cord and a couple A/C filters with your unbroken babies gently sandwiched in between.
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stareatclouds
star eat clouds?



Registered: 09/29/14
Posts: 9,887
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: TravelAgency]
#21788486 - 06/10/15 01:59 PM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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I dry them completely in a dehydrator and then put them in a Ziploc. Just suck the air out with a straw, close it, and bag it again in a larger one. They've stayed dry for me that way.
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firstTIMER420
Born the son of a sharecropper..



Registered: 05/08/15
Posts: 1,025
Loc: US, maybe?
Last seen: 6 years, 4 days
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: stareatclouds]
#21790419 - 06/10/15 09:02 PM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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update:
I bought a dehydrator as well as a vacuum sealer.
presto dehydrator, since everyone recommends their pressure cooker I figured the brand cant be that bad
I bought a ziplock vacuum sealer for like 50$ and am gonna test it out when my current flush is done to see how it works. Worst case, I have damprid to use:/
Anyone have suggestions on DIY containers to use damprid in with the mushies, ive been trying to think of something but so far am not successful.
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stareatclouds
star eat clouds?



Registered: 09/29/14
Posts: 9,887
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: firstTIMER420]
#21790514 - 06/10/15 09:26 PM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Just buy desiccant packs on Amazon and drop one in each bag to be safe.
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Ikarus
Whooooshhh


Registered: 06/13/14
Posts: 61
Last seen: 6 years, 5 months
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: stareatclouds]
#21790569 - 06/10/15 09:38 PM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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I've got a nesco dehydrator. Not sure of the model but it says "professional" on the top. Definitely one of the best things I've spent money on, next to my preassure cooker. I load up about seven or eight trays and set to 140 and everything is bone dry in about twelve hours.
I've also got a foodsaver v2244 that I use if it's going to be a while before I get through my supply. I put some shrooms in a bag with a food grade desiccant, vacuum out about 90% of the air (more than that and it kind of crushes the shrooms), and seal it up. Throw the bag in the fridge and it's good. RR posted some time ago that he also throws a food grade oxygen absorber in the bag for near indefinite storage.
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ShroominMe
Stranger
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: Ikarus]
#21791301 - 06/11/15 01:09 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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If the bag is sealed there is no gas/moisture exchange so a desiccant is not necessary.
Best tek is to powder the shrooms after cracker dried, put into plastic bags with all air removed, place into a separate airtight container such as a glass jar or plastic tub in the freezer. Should last minimum of 1-2 years.
Now if you want to add honey to the mix you could go for many years...
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Ikarus
Whooooshhh


Registered: 06/13/14
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: ShroominMe]
#21792071 - 06/11/15 08:02 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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The descicant removes the moisture that inevitably gets in the bag/shrooms before sealing. It's admittedly not absolutely necessary, but if you're in a situation where you need to use a vac sealer and have spent money on one, I don't see why you wouldn't spend a negligible amount more on desiccant to help ensure quality is preserved.
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stareatclouds
star eat clouds?



Registered: 09/29/14
Posts: 9,887
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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: Ikarus]
#21792466 - 06/11/15 10:27 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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I use Ziploc's, which are porous, so a bit of desiccant in there makes me feel better. I also desiccant packs taped to the lid of my mason jars I store my powder in, even though they're airtight.
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GreenRabbit
Plutonium Pollinator



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Re: Vacuum sealer for shroom storage/drying questions [Re: stareatclouds]
#21792630 - 06/11/15 11:29 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
stareatclouds said: I use Ziploc's, which are porous, so a bit of desiccant in there makes me feel better. I also desiccant packs taped to the lid of my mason jars I store my powder in, even though they're airtight.
One time I had a bag of 2 zips cracker dry and I threw a big (2" x 3") desiccant packet in. It wasn't a fresh pack so my shrooms actually absorbed water from it and stopped being cracker dry. They would bend and not break.
So I took out the desiccant pack and put it on a hot brick in the sun on a 90+ day. After that, I threw it back in to the bag and the shrooms were cracker dry again in a day.
Basically my point here is: Desiccants are awesome, just make sure they are dry. They are quite reusable too if you just remove the humidity in them. I bet you can take a bunch of old desiccant packs and put them in a dehydrator for a few hours and they will work like new.
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