Highline To WFBF part 5

So I've been researching this topic of metallic Mylar bags, vs freezer bags, vs ziplock, etc for my issue with wanting to rehydrate my own oatmeal directly in the bag with boiling water and decided to try these...

http://m.ziploc.com/ziploc-zip-n-steam-microwave-cooking-bags-medium.html

They are BPA and toxin free and unlike freezer bags are designed for heating food to high temps. Just ordered 20 bags on eBay and will test them out and report back.
 
Vegan.Hiker said:
So I've been researching this topic of metallic Mylar bags, vs freezer bags, vs ziplock, etc for my issue with wanting to rehydrate my own oatmeal directly in the bag with boiling water and decided to try these...

http://m.ziploc.com/ziploc-zip-n-steam-microwave-cooking-bags-medium.html

They are BPA and toxin free and unlike freezer bags are designed for heating food to high temps. Just ordered 20 bags on eBay and will test them out and report back.
Click to expand...

I was wondering about these too, but then it sounded like they also have tiny little holes in them for the steam/vent function, so I question how they do in holding more than a tablespoon or two of liquid, which I guess is the standard amount when using them to steam veggies and such.
 
Just found this on the "cooking tips"...

"Occasionally, liquid ingredients may escape through the steam vents in the bag. To facilitate cleanup, place a paper towel under the bag before microwave cooking."

So it looks like I'll be sticking to freezer bags for my rehydration needs.
 
WasatchWill said:
Just found this on the "cooking tips"...

"Occasionally, liquid ingredients may escape through the steam vents in the bag. To facilitate cleanup, place a paper towel under the bag before microwave cooking."

So it looks like I'll be sticking to freezer bags for my rehydration needs.
Click to expand...

I had the same concern but read this backpacker review of the zip n steam bags where he states that unless you "hold it upside down or at a severe angle" it won't leak and that it has "never happened to him".

http://popupbackpacker.com/freezer-bag-cooking/

I just don't personally feel comfortable cooking in plastic bags that aren't designed for cooking. I'm also the type of person that (even though I'm a cheapskate) pays $9 for aluminum free leaping bunny approved deodorant. It's a personal decision I guess and I'd rather take my chances with the potential for leaking liquid.
 
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Great link. Very interesting. Maybe I will give them a go. However, ziploc says that all their bags are free of harmful chemicals. I'm thinking the steam bags are made from the exact same material, the biggest difference being that they have the vent system at the top for releasing pressure/steam and the extra little flap for a handle.

Freezer bags are safe for microwaves as well, but more for reheating rather than prolonged cooking. This may only be because they don't have the extra little flap at the top to safely remove something cooked so hot, thus they are not "designed" for actual cooking. I don't know for sure though. It'd be interesting to know if there is a difference in the content of the plastic itself rather than just the form factor.

Still, I'm thinking if something is safe enough to reheat food in, it's safe enough to rehydrate in. Again, I usually don't pour fully boiling water in anyway, and even when I do, it's pretty quick to lose its boiling point. Rehydrating isn't the same as actual cooking.

Edit: I will also add that I have had a freezer bag leak on me through a hole in the bottom once when rehydrating something, so now I always carry a couple extra.
 
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