Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen from sealed containers. In the context of food storage, we would generally be talking about rice, wheat, and grains, but oxygen absorbers could also be used for beans, pasta, and many other products. Removing air from the storage container stops rust and extends shelf life. Eliminating oxygen prevents insects that may be in the food when it is sealed.

Pages of information could be written on the details below… including chemical formulas, the physics of air absorption, and the properties of wheat, rice, etc. It would take a complete book to include all the charts and graphs necessary to present a detailed explanation of the amounts, storage times, and properties of both the food to be stored and the containers used. You get the idea… this is a primer, a basic manual for beginners, so to speak. I expect it to be storing food and rotating food and to be self-sufficient for 2-3 years. I also hope that none of us need to store food for the long term.

With all that, I present here a basic primer on Oxygen Absorbers, their advantages and disadvantages. Here are the basics of what you need to know about oxygen absorbers.

• Absorbents are non-toxic and food safe. Ingredients: iron and salt.

• Two 500cc absorbents are enough for a 5 to 6 gallon pail.

• Dense foods need less absorbents because there is less air to remove.

• Altitude affects air density. If you live on a mountain… you can use less absorbents than if you live at sea level. Don’t skimp.

• Once you open the bag of absorbents, they activate, use them as quickly as possible.

• In a 500 cc package. will absorb 500 cc of oxygen from a container.

• They are for single use and cannot be reused.

• Oxygen absorbers come in hermetically sealed bags. Once you open the bag, they begin to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. They contain enough active ingredients to be open for 30-45 minutes before being sealed in their containers. Therefore, it is important to have containers filled and ready to cap before opening the package.

• If you are not using all the absorbents and want to save the rest for a later packaging project, reseal them in an airtight bag with a vacuum sealing machine.

• You can place absorbents anywhere in the bucket. I put mine on top so I don’t lose track of which containers I put them in.

• When using oxygen absorbers in plastic pails, use standard snap-on lids. Gamma lids are airtight, but are not designed to counter the pressure created when oxygen is removed from the container.

• After removing the standard lid to use the contents, a Gamma lid can be used to reseal the pail against moisture, rodents and insects. A hammer cap (with gasket) will provide an oxygen barrier for a couple of years of storage.

• For long-term storage, you can use Mylar liner bags inside your pail. When heat sealed they will block oxygen permeation for years.

•Absorbents in their original sealed bag have a shelf life of about 1 year.

A detailed discussion of storage times, product density and container properties will have to wait.