Choosing Containers

The ideal container for a dried food is:

• Clean and sanitary

• Nontoxic

• Lightweight

• Easily disposable or recyclable

• Moisture resistant

• Airtight

• Protective against light

• Easily opened and closed

• Impermeable to gases and odors

• durable

• Low-cost

Unfortunately no single food container has all these characteristics. Make your choice based on the type of dried food, your intended storage conditions, and storage time. Three materials—glass, plastics, and metal (never galvanized steel)—are used for packaging most dried foods. Even open-and-close plastic bags are suitable. One good method of storing dried food is to place sealed plastic bags inside a larger glass or metal container with a tight-fitting lid. This twostep packaging has the advantages of being relatively easy, allowing more food to be stored in one container, and protecting against insects and other pests. Although you could store more than one type of dried food inside the larger glass or metal container, do not combine foods with strong odors such as onions, cabbage, or broccoli because other dried foods may absorb their odors.