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Ever wondered how to keep your beef jerky fresh and flavourful longer? Choosing the right size of oxygen absorber is key!
You might have asked, ‘So, what size of oxygen absorber should I use for our beef jerky?’
Typically, a 79.27cc of oxygen absorber per litre, or about 10 grams of jerky, works well. However, it’s important to tailor the size based on the volume of your sealed package and the amount of jerky inside.
Ensuring your beef jerky remains in top condition is essential, whether for personal enjoyment or commercial sale. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that determine the best oxygen absorber size for your beef jerky packaging.
What Size Oxygen Absorber Should I Use For Our Beef Jerky? A Quick Answer
When deciding what size oxygen absorber to use for your beef jerky, consider both the volume of the package and the amount of space the jerky occupies. Typically, a 79.27cc absorber is suitable for each litre of packaging, ideal for about 10 grams of jerky. This size ensures the removal of sufficient oxygen, which is crucial for preventing spoilage and maintaining the quality and taste of your jerky. Tailoring the absorber to the specifics of your packaging allows for maximum effectiveness in preservation.
Ready to Keep Your Jerky Fresh? Choose the Best in Australia!
If you’re passionate about preserving the quality and flavour of your beef jerky, don’t settle for less than the best. Our oxygen absorbers are specifically designed to suit the unique Australian climate, ensuring your jerky stays fresher for longer. Trust Protection Experts Australia to provide you with the top-quality solutions you need.
Give us a call at +61 (2) 9945 0593 today or visit our Contact Us page to learn more about our products and how we can help you maintain the optimal condition of your jerky.
How Do Oxygen Absorbers Work?
Oxygen absorbers are small packets that contain iron powder, which reacts with the oxygen in the air within a sealed package to form iron oxide. This chemical reaction effectively removes oxygen from the air, significantly reducing the risk of aerobic organisms thriving and spoiling your food.
The benefits of using these absorbers extend beyond merely prolonging shelf life; they also retain the food’s colour, aroma, and nutritional value. For beef jerky, which is susceptible to oxidation and moisture, using the right oxygen absorber is a game-changer that preserves its taste and texture. By removing oxygen, you prevent the growth of moulds and bacteria and stop the oxidation of fats, which can cause rancidity. Therefore, your beef jerky retains its intended flavour and quality for a longer period.
Factors Determining the Size of Oxygen Absorbers
Selecting the right size oxygen absorber for your beef jerky helps ensure the product’s quality and longevity. The amount of oxygen absorber needed is influenced by several factors, including the overall volume of the packaging and the physical volume occupied by the jerky itself. Understanding these factors can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your food preservation strategy.
Volume of the Sealed Package
The size of the oxygen absorber required largely depends on the volume of the package in which your beef jerky is sealed. Larger packages with more air volume need bigger absorbers to effectively remove all the oxygen. It’s crucial to match the absorber capacity with the package size to ensure all oxygen is absorbed, as any excess can lead to inadequate preservation.
Volume Occupied by the Food Product
Another critical factor is the amount of space the beef jerky occupies within the package. More densely packed jerky leaves less air volume, hence requiring a smaller oxygen absorber.
Calculating Oxygen Absorber Size
Calculating the correct size of oxygen absorber for your beef jerky involves a straightforward formula that considers both the package dimensions and the weight of the jerky. Here’s how it’s done:
Oxygen Volume (CC) = (Sealed Package Dimensions (cm): Height x Length x Width) – (Food Weight (g): content only) x 20%
This formula helps you compute the exact amount of oxygen in cubic centimetres that needs to be absorbed. The factor of 20% is critical as it reflects the typical oxygen content in the atmosphere, ensuring that the calculation covers the potential oxygen available to react inside the package. The use of this factor in the calculation acknowledges that air, on average, consists of about 20% oxygen. By designing oxygen absorbers to target this specific percentage, the preservation process can be as efficient as possible, ensuring no oxygen is left to degrade the beef jerky.
For easy calculation of the oxygen absorber size you need, try our Oxygen Absorber Calculator.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Oxygen Absorbers
When using oxygen absorbers in your beef jerky packaging, certain common errors can undermine their effectiveness and potentially compromise the quality of your product. Here are key pitfalls to watch out for:
- Choosing the Wrong Size: One of the most frequent mistakes is selecting an oxygen absorber that is too small for the intended package size. This can leave residual oxygen in the package, which increases the risk of spoilage and bacterial growth.
- Overpacking the Absorber: Conversely, using an oxygen absorber that is too large can be an unnecessary expense without providing additional benefits. It’s important to use a size that’s just right for the volume of the package and the product.
- Not Sealing the Package Properly: After placing the oxygen absorber, the package must be sealed immediately and effectively. Delays or improper sealing can allow air to enter, diminishing the absorber’s effectiveness.
- Reusing Absorbers: Oxygen absorbers are designed for a single use. Attempting to reuse them can lead to ineffective oxygen removal, as they might have already reached their absorption capacity.
- Ignoring Storage Guidelines for Absorbers: Unused oxygen absorbers should be stored in airtight conditions to prevent them from activating prematurely. Exposure to air before use can render them less effective or completely useless.
Key Takeaways
Selecting the correct size oxygen absorber for your beef jerky is not just about extending shelf life; it’s about preserving the freshness, taste, and quality of your product. Once you understand and apply the right calculations for your specific needs (considering both the volume of your packaging and the volume occupied by the jerky), you can significantly enhance your jerky’s appeal and longevity.
Keep in mind that the key to maintaining the best quality is in the details, and with the right oxygen absorber, your beef jerky will stay as fresh as the day it was packaged. This attention to detail not only satisfies customers but also sets your product apart in a competitive market.
