Ziploc® bags have been around for decades, as early as 1968. It has since boomed in popularity as a multi-purpose storage container.
A convenient companion in the home, mums and dads have used them for various things. But it’s main use as a storage device is just the tip of the iceberg.
There are hundreds of ways to use Ziploc® bags and here are just some of our favourite ones.
Store for Later
The obvious use for Ziploc® bags is that you can use them to store leftover food. Whether that’s from a previous meal or from takeaway. But the sky is the limit with this hack.
Food storage also extends to surplus ingredients that you may have on hand after cooking or baking. Veggie cuttings, meats, egg whites/yolks, and even extra cooking liquid like oil or stock can be stored in a Ziploc® bag.
Ice Cream
Ziploc® ice-cream is a thing we often see people doing on television but never seem to try ourselves. Well, now’s the time; because it’s almost as easy as pie.
You need two Ziploc® bags, one larger than the other. Fill the smaller bag with cream (or full-fat milk), sugar and your flavouring of choice (you can warm them beforehand on a stovetop first to incorporate the ingredients).
Then, seal it and put it into the second, larger bag that you’ve filled with ice-cubes and some salt.
Now, it’s time to shake things up. Keep agitating the bags until the cream slowly turns into ice-cream. It’s definitely a fun activity to try with the kids.
Portion Sizes
Storing leftover ingredients isn’t the only thing Ziploc® bags are good for. Prepping ingredients for future cooking is also a good idea. For instance, you can mince garlic in advance and put the mush in a Ziploc® bag.
Flatten the contents and separate the garlic into equal squares using something like a skewer. Now, you have equally portioned garlic squares ready to pop into the saucepan.
This goes for almost every other ingredient too like onions, chili, celery, etc. You can even portion out cut fruits for an instant frozen smoothie on the go.
Meal Preps and Marinades
Being a mum is a full-time job, so preparation is always key. Especially when it comes to keeping your kids fed.
And meal prepping doesn’t have to be a chore anymore with Ziploc® bags.
Unlike those bulky plastic containers, Ziploc® bags save so much space in the freezer, allowing you to marinade 5 or maybe even up to 10 chicken pieces in one go. And when it comes to liquid marinades, the airtight seal ensures nothing leaks out either.
Marinades are the tip of the iceberg, too. You can also portion out meal sizes for hassle-free meal-prep. Just pop a bag in the microwave and bam, you have a hot meal ready to go.
Garden Compost
If you’re a bit of green thumb and are contemplating starting your own compost, Ziploc® bags are a great way to store vegetable peelings and other organic matter for long periods of time.
Keeping things like roots, skins, nubs and other plant material in airtight containers ensures they don’t rot in the fridge. And prevents any nasty smells from leaking out and polluting other food items nearby.
Dedicate a compost baggy in your fridge for food scraps (including bones). Soon, you’ll have enough organic matter to start your very own compost.
Ziploc® Bags for All Occasions
Ziploc® bags are such a multi-purpose tool to have in the kitchen. They are versatile, durable, food-safe and reusable. Plus, they save so much space, allowing you meal prep without worrying if you’ll overcrowd the fridge.
If you want to learn more Ziploc® hacks, watch this video:
There are a hundred and one ways to use Ziploc® bags, and not just for storage. All you have to do is let your imagination run wild. Get yours here today, mummies!
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!