Storage is an invaluable part of modern-day cooking. It’s not just about leftovers either. Storing ingredients, keeping spices organized, managing climate-related factors, and meal prepping are just some of the reasons why containers are so important.
Anyone who has had a surplus of food storage bags on hand will quickly discover just how useful they are for non-cooking-related tasks as well. But not all bags are created equal, and people often have questions about the more specialized options. For example, do smell-proof bags work, and what are they best used for?
Smell-proof bags represent a significant advancement in food storage techniques. Smell-proof containers are obviously not a new invention – mason jars date back to 1858. What is new is the utility brought about by smell-proof Mylar bags and other similar options.
The issue with most smell-proof containers is their lack of flexibility. It’s harder, for example, to stuff a rigid container into a packed freezer or even your own pocket when you’re walking your dog. On the other hand, it’s easy to fit a bag into even the most cramped spaces. Bags are inherently mutable once you’ve ensured there’s no air trapped within them. This combined utility is generally due to modern Mylar construction, which uses multiple layers and air-tight seals to block airflow. No airflow, no escaping smells.
While the technology is impressive, you may wonder about its practical applications. What are these bags suitable for?
The most popular choice for food storage is mylar bags. However, you might be surprised by just how flexible the bags are, both in a figurative and literal sense.
Food and herbs are essential due to the importance of smell in both. Smell-proof bags not only prevent odors from spreading to the rest of the room, but also keep them from permeating the air.
A smell-proof container also ensures that the taste of foods and herbs isn’t impacted by cross-contamination from other smells. When you smell something, you’re essentially noticing that tiny particulates from the item are in the air. You smell something when those particles come into contact with the interior of your nose. However, these particles can cause one item’s taste to interfere with another’s. A smell-proof bag prevents that from happening.
Any dog or cat owner knows their furry friends can usually hone in on treats. Moreover, dogs and cats both exhibit poor impulse control and will often rip open bags if they detect a treat inside.
Custom smell-proof bags are strong enough to block even the powerful sense of smell of a dog or cat. You can easily carry treats around with you without your pet constantly trying to reach them.
Craft supplies often come with powerful smells. A strong-smelling craft item is typically intended for use in tiny amounts. This means that smells from large quantities of craft supplies will tend to drift to the rest of the room.
However, a smell-proof bag can stop that process. It keeps the good smells safe for when you want them. Likewise, it keeps the overly strong smells from spreading.
Everything you know about preventing food smells from spreading applies doubly to tea and coffee. Smell is an essential part of any meal or ingredient, but it’s a vital component of coffee and tea.
Consider how you interact with tea and coffee. Most people love that first smell of a fresh brew in the morning. That smell is best when protected by the right container – one that traps in the odor and the flavor.
Ultimately, it’s all about using the right tool for the job. If you’re dealing with anything that has a strong smell or that depends on its odor, then it’s best to use a smell-proof container. It’s also generally wise to use a container, such as a Mylar bag, that combines smell-protection with flexibility.
The more flexible the form factor, the more flexible the usage options. Which means being able to do everything from using the container as storage for dog treats to storing the strongest curry in your fridge.
