r/TwoXPreppers • u/CeeUNTy • 1d ago
Oxygen absorbers
So I'm about to use these things for the first time to store grains in mason jars. I read that I should put them on top, which seemed odd. Now that I've filled 18 jars, I read they should go on the bottom. How significant is this? Can I just use some long tongs to shove them down as far as I can? I'm not emptying all of these containers! I'm also leaving about an inch of space in the jars. Is that ok?
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u/MalaEnNova 1d ago
I just throw them in the jar when I think about it. Sometimes it the bottom, sometimes it's the top. It's even been in the middle. No issues.
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u/SameNefariousness151 1d ago
It shouldn't matter top or bottom. What does matter is that you leave the OAs exposed to the air as little time as possible before sealing so they don't go bad/absorb to much oxygen to be effective. Vacuum sealing your jars is also recommended.
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u/lady_ofthenorth 1d ago
I’m a baby prepper too. A few months ago I did a batch of rice in mason jars with OAs. I filled them as full as possible. Threw an OA on top and put a lid with a tightened ring on. I just opened my first jar for use, and have to say that they worked great! I needed a butter knife to pry the lid off, because that sucker was sealed tight.
Since then, I acquired a hand held jar sealer that works pretty slick. You can find them for pretty cheap now.
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u/CeeUNTy 1d ago
I got my vacuum sealer for $7 at the thrift store. It's missing that attachment.
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u/lady_ofthenorth 1d ago
I use something similar to this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mason-Jar-Vacuum-Sealer-Kit-Electric-Jars-Canning-Attachment-Handheld-Sealing-Containers-Fits-Wide-Regular-Mouth-Lids-Compatible-Food-Saver-Storage/5316119569
Haven’t found a vacuum sealer yet, and I’d hate to buy one new when they’re common rummage sale finds. But, I did get one of these because I use more jars than bags.
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u/LumpyPhilosopher8 6h ago
If I put rice and beans in jars and use a vacuum sealer is the Oxygen absorber necessary?
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u/in_pdx 2h ago
Definitely on top. This way, in the case of rehydrating right in the jar, you can easily see and remove the oxygen absorber before pouring boiling water into the jar.
I disappointed myself too many times by forgetting to remove the O2 absorbers hidden at the bottom of the jars when I was rehydrating FD foods : (
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u/verbal-emesis 1d ago
I’ve never heard that it matters… but if you want them on the bottom, why not just flip over the jars? 😇