Author Topic: Shrink-wrap bags for freezing poultry (Read 4239 times)

suziequeue · « **on:** September 25, 2014, 11:07:17 am »

I have finally found a source of shrink wrapped bags for freezing poultry.

I wanted to try it after reading about it on this blog but didn't want to get them from the States.

I couldn't find them anywhere in UK but finally found a packaging company that will do small quantities for smallholders or people who only want to do a small number of chickens at a time.

Good quick response and very smallholder friendly.

shygirl · « **Reply #1 on:** September 25, 2014, 11:14:26 am »

is it similar to shrink wrap for soaps etc? ie do you have to heat it to shrink it?

suziequeue · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2014, 03:02:48 pm »

Yes. These come in bags and you dip it in hot water for a few seconds then straight in the freezer. I'm not sure what the shrink wrap for soap is like. Does it come in sheets?

The only slight disadvantage is that the plastic can tear if there are any sharp edges (e.g. bone ends) sticking out.

Bex · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2014, 07:49:14 pm »

What's the difference between this and vacuum packing? Is one way better than the other?

shygirl · « **Reply #4 on:** September 25, 2014, 11:13:36 pm »

the soap one is either sheets or pockets, and you aim the hairdrier at it shrinks pretty fast.

cloddopper · « **Reply #5 on:** September 25, 2014, 11:34:21 pm »

Quote from: Bex on September 25, 2014, 07:49:14 pm

What's the difference between this and vacuum packing? Is one way better than the other?

I suspect it won't be sealed from air & bacteria at the ends like a vac & heat sealed bag will so will be able to decay quicker .
It is also less abrasion /piercing resistant , a pin sized hole will let air & bacteria in to get a hold over a few weeks .
That will lead to freezer burn in the area of the hole as well as eventual decay .

suziequeue · « **Reply #6 on:** September 26, 2014, 08:19:30 am »

Well - obviously - the end is sealed once the shrink wrap is done as suggested on the blog.

Can you get gusseted vacuum pack bags for chicken carcasses? I have never seen them.

I wouldn't be able to get a whole chicken carcass into a vacuum bag and have enough plastic left over at the ends to make a good seal. We only have a basic vacuum packer which is great for sliced stuff like bacon etc but the bulk of a chicken carcass would make it difficult to make the ends meet for a good seal on our machine.

That's why I like this method for more bulky items. Certainly for us - I doubt the chicken will be in the freezer for very long.