Part 5/9:
Once dehydrated, the herbs and peppers are ready for storage. Some peppers are frozen temporarily to preserve their quality before being vacuum-sealed. The gardener demonstrates using a vacuum sealer to remove air from storage bags, creating compact and airtight packs that prolong shelf life and retain flavor. This method also helps manage limited freezer space.
The process of sealing and labeling the bags is described in detail, emphasizing the importance of neat, secure seals to prevent freezer burn and spoilage. The gardener shares tips on cutting the vacuum-sealed bags to size depending on intended use, such as small pieces for cooking or whole peppers for grinding into spice blends.