How did our great-grandmothers use laurel leaves? Here's a secret that's worth trying: vacuum wrapping with laurel leaf.

Method of preparation:

Preparation of laurel leaves:
Start by preparing the laurel leaves. You can use fresh leaves, which you will first have to wash and dry carefully, or use dried leaves, which will be just as effective. It is important that the leaves are clean and dry to avoid introducing moisture into the packaged product.

Preparation of food:
Select the foods you want to keep. These may be different types of food: fresh meat, vegetables, herbs and even fruit. Remember that the vacuum packaging is perfect for the products you want to store for longer, retaining their freshness and aroma.

Packaging of the laurel leaf:
Place the product in a vacuum bag, add 1 to 2 laurel leaves depending on the size of the packaged product (the leaves should be placed next to it, not inside the food). Then use a vacuum packaging machine to remove air and seal the bag. The laurel leaf will help absorb unpleasant odours and acts as a natural preservative.

Storage:
Food vacuum packed with laurel may be stored in a refrigerator or freezer, depending on the type of product. Thanks to vacuum packaging, the food stays fresh longer and the laurel leaf also helps to preserve their aroma and speeds up the ripening process (e.g. in the case of meat).

Service and conservation advice:

Service: If you put food under vacuum, it is best to use it shortly after thawing or opening the package. The laurel leaf added to the packaged foods will retain its fresh flavor and aroma and can also be added to the food during cooking to enhance the flavor.
Storage: Products stored in vacuum packaging with laurel leaves may remain fresh several times longer than in a traditional package. Meat, fish and vegetables may be stored in a refrigerator for several days or frozen for several months without loss of quality.
Variants:

Laurel leaf in a dried herb package: If you want to keep fresh herbs for longer, vacuum wrapping them with the addition of laurel leaves can help to keep their fragrance and flavor intense. The laurel leaf blends perfectly with herbs such as rosemary, thyme and oregano.
Pack the fruit: you can try to wrap the fruit, especially perishable fruits such as bilberries, raspberries or strawberries, with a laurel leaf. This helps to maintain freshness and reduce the risk of mould.
Meat pack: The laurel leaf blends well with meat, especially pork, beef and poultry. Vacuum packaging of the meat with the addition of laurel leaves may not only extend its shelf life, but also give the dishes a unique flavor.
FAQ:

1. Does the laurel leaf really help to extend the shelf life of food?
Yes. Laurel leaves contain substances with antibacterial and conservative properties. It acts as a natural antifungal agent that helps fight moulds and bacteria, keeping packaged foods fresher for longer.

2. How long can I keep food vacuum packed with laurel leaf?
The shelf life depends on the type of food. For example, vacuum meat with a laurel leaf in the freezer may remain fresh for 6 to 12 months, and vegetables may remain fresh for 3 to 6 months. In the refrigerator, products may be stored for 1 to 2 weeks longer than in a traditional package.

3. 3. Do I have to use a vacuum machine?
No, but vacuum packaging significantly improves the efficiency of food storage. If you do not have sealers, you can use hermetic containers or zipper bags, although the vacuum is the best result.

4. Does the laurel leaf add flavor to packaged foods?
The small amount of laurel leaf will not significantly affect the taste of food, but it will certainly add a subtle aroma that will be noticeable during cooking. This is a delicate way to enhance the flavor of dishes, especially meat-based dishes.

5. What other uses of laurel leaves are worth trying at home?
Laurel leaf can also be used to repel insects (such as food mites), to prepare natural air fresheners or as an additive in a bath, as it has a relaxing and soothing effect on the skin.

The laurel leaf in a vacuum sealer is an excellent way to store fresh food for longer. It is a natural method that our great-grandmothers used and can still be used by modern housewives. Use this knowledge and see how it can make it easier to store food in your home.