This little utensil will change the way you freeze food forever

Thursday 8 January 2026 15:30 - Mirella Mendonça
This little utensil will change the way you freeze food forever

Freezing food has always seemed easy: just put it in a bag, close it and that's it... right? Wrong. The air inside the packages is the real villain: it causes ice crystals, burns the food and takes away the flavor of everything.

But there's a genius trick that solves this in seconds and all you need is a simple plastic or stainless steel straw.


How the trick works

The secret is to remove the air from the bag before freezing.

  • After placing the food (beans, fruit, meat, vegetables, whatever you like) in the plastic bag, close the zipper almost all the way, leaving only a small space.
  • Then insert the straw and suck in the air as if you were drinking an invisible juice.
  • When the bag is "stuck" to the food, remove the straw and close the zipper immediately.

That's it! You've just created a homemade vacuum without the need for an expensive machine!

Why this trick is so powerful

1. Prevents freezer burn:

  • By removing the air, the food doesn't dehydrate or change texture. Your meat is still tender, your vegetables are still vibrant, and those beans? As if it had been made yesterday!

2. Saves a LOT of space:

  • Without air inside the bags, they become thin and compact - you can stack them like sheets in the freezer.

3. Lasts up to 3x longer:

  • Vacuum storage preserves flavor and nutrients for much longer, without mixing smells.

4. Works with everything:

  • Fruit, sauces, vegetables, meat, chicken, bread - everything can be frozen using the straw trick.

The utensil you already have at home and didn't know how to use like this

The most amazing thing? You don't need to buy anything.

A simple straw - one of those forgotten in the kitchen drawer - can save you time, money and space.

And if you want to make the trick even more efficient, use airtight ziplock bags and reusable straws.

Anyone who discovers this method will never freeze food the old-fashioned way again. It's quick, free and really works.

Next time you freeze something, remember the straw: the unsung hero of your kitchen!


Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

Comments

Rate this article:
5/5, 1 vote(s)