FoodSaver V3840 Reference Manual page 14

Guidelines
for Vacuum Packaging
emit gases during storage. Therefore, after blanching,
they must be only stored in the freezer.
When freezing vegetables, it is best to pre-freeze them
for 1-2 hours or until solidly frozen. To freeze vegetables
in individual servings, first place on a b aking sheet and
spread them out so they are not touching. This prevents
them from freezing together in a block. Once they are
frozen, remove from baking sheet and vacuum p ackage
vegetables in a FoodSaver Bag. After they have been
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vacuum packaged, return them to the freezer.
IMPORTANT: Due to the risk of anaerobic bacteria,
fresh mushrooms, onions, & garlic should never
be vacuum packaged.
Preparation Guidelines for Leafy Vegetables:
For best results, use a canister to store leafy vegetables.
First wash the vegetables, and then dry with a towel
or salad spinner. After they are dried, put them in a
FoodSaver Canister or Container and vacuum package.
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Store in the refrigerator.
Preparation Guidelines for Fruit:
When freezing soft fruit or berries, it is best to pre-
freeze them for 1-2 hours or until solidly frozen. To
freeze fruit in individual servings, first place on a baking
sheet and spread them out so they are not touching.
This prevents them from freezing together in a block.
Once they are frozen, remove from baking sheet and
vacuum package fruit in a FoodSaver Bag. After they
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have been vacuum packaged, return them to the
freezer.
You can vacuum package portions for baking, or in your
favorite combinations for easy fruit salad all year round.
If storing in the refrigerator, we recommend using a
FoodSaver Canister or Container.
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Preparation Guidelines for Baked Goods:
To vacuum package soft or airy baked goods, we
r ecommend using a FoodSaver ® Canister or Container
so they will hold their shape. If using a bag, pre-freeze
for 1-2 hours or until solidly frozen. To save time,
make cookie dough, pie shells, whole pies, or mix dry
ingredients in advance and vacuum package for later
use.
Preparation Guidelines for Coffee and Powdery Foods:
To prevent food particles from being drawn into the
v acuum pump, place a coffee filter or paper towel
at the top of the bag or canister before vacuum
p ackaging. You can also place the food in its original
bag inside a FoodSaver ® Bag.
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Preparation Guidelines for Liquids:
Before you vacuum package liquids such as soup
stock, pre-freeze in a casserole dish, loaf tin or ice
cube tray until solid. Remove frozen liquid from the
pan and vacuum package in a FoodSaver ® Bag. You
can stack these "frozen bricks" in your freezer.
To vacuum package non-carbonated bottled liquids,
you can use a FoodSaver ® Bottle Stopper with the
original container. Remember to leave at least 2.5 cm
(1 inch) of room between the contents and the bottom
of the Bottle Stopper. You can re-seal bottles after
each use.
Preparation Guidelines for Make-ahead Meals,
Leftovers and Sandwiches:
Efficiently store your make-ahead meals, leftovers and
sandwiches in the stackable, lightweight FoodSaver
containers. They are microwaveable, top rack
dishwasher safe a nd come with a custom adaptor. The
lightweight containers will be ready to go to the office
or school when you are!
Preparation Guidelines for Snack Foods:
Your snack foods will maintain their freshness
longer when you vacuum package them. For best
results, use a FoodSaver ® Canister or Container for
crushable items like biscuits.
Vacuum Packaging Non-Food Items
The FoodSaver vacuum packaging system also
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protects non-food items from oxidation, corrosion
and moisture. Simply follow the directions to vacuum
package items using FoodSaver Bags, Canisters,
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Containers and Accessories.
To vacuum package silver, wrap fork tines in soft
c ushioning material, such as a paper towel, to avoid
puncturing the bag. Your FoodSaver ® Bags are ideal
for outdoor excursions. For camping and hiking, keep
your matches, maps and food dry and compact. To
have fresh water for drinking, simply fill a FoodSaver
Bag with ice, seal it and when needed, let the ice
pack melt. If you are going sailing or boating, vacuum
package your food, film and a dry change of clothes.
Just remember to bring scissors or a knife to open the
bag. To keep emergency kits safe and dry, vacuum
package flares, batteries, torches, matches, candles
and other necessities. Your emergency items will stay
dry and organized in your home, car or boat.
Tips for Successful Vacuum Packaging
General Tips
Tips for Successful Vacuum Sealing
1. Vacuum sealing is NOT a substitute for the heat process
of canning. Perishables still need to be refrigerated or
frozen.
2. For best results, use FoodSaver
Containers and Accessories.
3. During the vacuum sealing process, small amounts of
liquids, crumbs or food particles can be pulled inad-
vertently into the Drip Tray (O), clogging the pump and
damaging your appliance.
To prevent this, follow these tips:
a. For moist and juicy foods: Freeze first and avoid
overfilling bags. You can also place a folded paper
towel inside top of bag, and below the seal area,
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before vacuum sealing.
b. For soups, sauces and liquids: Freeze first and avoid
overfilling bags. Or, use a canister or container in
refrigerator.
c. For powdery or fine-grained foods: Avoid overfilling
bags or use a canister or container. You can also place
a coffee filter or paper towel inside before vacuum
packaging.
d. Empty the Drip Tray (N) after each use.
4. To avoid overfilling, always leave at least 8 cm (3 inches)
of bag material between the bag contents and the top
the of bag. Then leave at least one additional inch of bag
material for each time you plan to reuse the bag.
5. Do not create your own side seams for a FoodSaver
brand Bag. Our bags are manufactured with a special
side seam, which is sealed all the way to the outer edge.
6. To prevent wrinkles in a seal when vacuum sealing bulky
items, gently stretch bag flat while inserting into the
vacuum channel and hold until the pump begins.
7. If you are unsure whether your bag was sealed properly,
simply reseal the bag.
® Tips on Removing Air from a Bag
Avoid wrinkles when inserting the bag into the
Vacuum Channel (E).
Wrinkles in the seal may cause a leakage and allow air
to return into the bag. To eliminate any wrinkles while
inserting the bag into the vacuum channel (E), hold the
bag with two hands gently stretching the bag flat until
the vacuum pump begins. If you find wrinkles after seal-
ing the bag, simply cut the bag open and vacuum seal
again.
8. When you are vacuum sealing items with sharp edges
(dry spaghetti, silverware, etc.), protect the bag from
punctures by wrapping item in soft cushioning material,
such as a paper towel. You may want to use a canister or
container instead of a bag.
brand Bags, Canisters,
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9. When using accessories, remember to leave 2.5 cm
(1-inch) of space at top of canister or container.
10. Pre-freeze fruits and blanch vegetables before vacuum
sealing for best results. Refer to the Guidelines in the
Vacuum Packaging section for more information.
11. If the appliance does not function, or the Seal button
(C) flashes to signal an error:
a. Check the power cord to see if it is firmly plugged
into an electrical outlet.
b. Examine the power cord for any damages.
c. See if the electrical outlet is working by plugging in
another appliance.
d. Check to be certain that the Upper Bag Detection
Tray (O) is properly inserted.
e. Make sure the bag is placed correctly inside the
Vacuum Channel (E). (See How to Vacuum Seal with
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing Bags)
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f. Check to ensure the Release Buttons (J) are properly
latched.
g. Check the Foam Gasket (L) around the Drip Tray
to make sure it is free from food material and is
properly inserted into the gasket channel.
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h. Check the Upper Gasket (P) around the Upper Bag
Detection Tray (O) to be sure it is free from food
material.
i. If overheated, allow the appliance to cool for 20
minutes.
j. For more usage tips visit our website at
www.foodsaver.com.
If motor runs for more than 30 seconds without
stopping, consider the following:
If you are vacuum sealing with a bag, make sure the
bag is properly sealed (See "How to Make a Bag From
a Roll"). Check the foam gasket around the Drip Tray to
make sure it is free from food material and is properly
inserted into the gasket channel.
If vacuum sealing with an accessory, check the Accessory
Hose connections to ensure a tight fit.
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