topic Re: Lock & Lock in Kitchen

Lock & Lock

Texemgirl — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 09:00:31 GMT

I just started using Lock & Lock the past few months. Problem: 3 days ago I briefly steamed broccoli and then stored in an L & L container after it cooled. Today my refrigerator reeks of broccoli even though it is perfectly fine (not spoiled), and I checked the seal (without opening container) but cannot see where it's not sealed. I've never had that happen before with other non-L & L containers ... yes, I smelled the broccoli when I opened the container but not before and it sure didn't smell up my refrigerator.

Can someone tell me if they experienced this, too, and this is normal for L& L? I was going to purchase more L & L, but now am definitely thinking against it.

Re: Lock & Lock

kitty60 — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 15:04:27 GMT

The one thing I do love about l&l is that it locks in smells. You may want to open and check the seal on it. I have never had it happen.

Re: Lock & Lock

SunnyinSEPA — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 15:28:21 GMT

I think L&L works really well and keeps food fresher a lot longer because of the tight seal. I must admit I've never refrigerated cooked broccoli, though. I generally roast only what we're going to eat.

Re: Lock & Lock

Another new name Sue — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:22:02 GMT

Don't the lids have a little rubber gasket inside? I wonder if yours somehow is not there, fell out or whatever.

Re: Lock & Lock

depglass — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 18:13:52 GMT

I store chopped onion in my Lock & Lock with no problems. Maybe I'll try the broccoli experiment today.

Re: Lock & Lock

Deadeye Daisy — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 18:26:56 GMT

NEVER store broccoli in a sealed container or even a sealed plastic bag. It's one of those vegetables that MUST have air circulation. Otherwise, the gases can and WILL end up escaping, even a sealed container. If your container is plastic or acrylic, you may never get rid of the smell.

26 years ago, I had a similar issue with a sealed FoodSaver canister. After a call to FoodSaver they ended up sending me a new 4 quart container, cover and gasket. Said I couldn't plan on storing broccoli in a FS canister because of the gases.

Was told then to just loosely in paper towels and store in crisper or put in one of the ventilated Zip Lock Fresh Produce bags. Alternately, perforated bags distributed to bakeries for storing fresh French and Italian breads can be used.

Re: Lock & Lock

kitty60 — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:52:45 GMT

I always store cooked broccoli and cauliflower in l&l with no problems.

Re: Lock & Lock

Daysdee — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 02:33:11 GMT

Never had a problem with odors with L n L.

Re: Lock & Lock

TX-starlight — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 02:35:10 GMT

On 2/18/2014 Daysdee said:
Never had a problem with odors with L n L.

me either!!

Re: Lock & Lock

luvzchiz — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 02:39:15 GMT

I stored cooked broccoli in a round lock n lock for a few days. The frid smelled of broccoli and it took a lot of soaking of the container to get the smell out. I have used the same container for other things after with no problem.

Re: Lock & Lock

luvzchiz — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 02:39:16 GMT

Re: Lock & Lock

chickenbutt — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 02:56:56 GMT

Thanks for the info about broccoli, Daisy. Makes sense, but I never thought about it.

I don't have problems with food smells eminating from my Lock & Lock but I cannot remember when I might have last put broccoli in there. I usually would cook just the amount I need.

I also have some glass (borosilicate) Lock & Lock and if I'm short-term storing something pungent I will put it into one of the glass ones, then I put a small piece of cellophane on top and put the seal on that.l (the seals are still plastic)

If I have a half an onion I just vacuum seal it. It will stay very well in the refrigerator for weeks that way.

Re: Lock & Lock

Texemgirl — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 11:31:37 GMT

Thank you all for responding! Daisy, thank you for the info ... really appreciate it!

I have cooked/stored broccoli like this all my life and this is the first time I had a problem. I did check the seal (put under water) and it was air tight so I guess it was just too much gas buildup this time ... wonder if it was because I couldn't "burp" excess air out??? Since this has been my only problem, I will purchase additional Lock & Lock and will follow Daisy's advice for storing broccoli.

BTW, I did get the smell out of the container. I soaked it in 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water for several hours ... then I made a baking soda paste and spread that on it for a few hours. No more smell!!! YEA!!!

Re: Lock & Lock

qualitygal — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:39:37 GMT

On 2/18/2014 Deadeye Daisy said:
NEVER store broccoli in a sealed container or even a sealed plastic bag. It's one of those vegetables that MUST have air circulation. Otherwise, the gases can and WILL end up escaping, even a sealed container. If your container is plastic or acrylic, you may never get rid of the smell.

26 years ago, I had a similar issue with a sealed FoodSaver canister. After a call to FoodSaver they ended up sending me a new 4 quart container, cover and gasket. Said I couldn't plan on storing broccoli in a FS canister because of the gases.

Was told then to just loosely in paper towels and store in crisper or put in one of the ventilated Zip Lock Fresh Produce bags. Alternately, perforated bags distributed to bakeries for storing fresh French and Italian breads can be used.

Very interesting. Gases have to escape. Maybe the more I notice bags with holes, it may be that fruits need that too. Onions, that sort of thing. I learn so much here. I guess I need to look up foods with gases that need to escape. ?? Is that where I should look?

Re: Lock & Lock

Deadeye Daisy — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 20:48:32 GMT

Sorry, probably should have made myself much clearer.

Unless broccoli is thoroughly cooked, it WILL release gas. Same with a number of other crucifers. Lightly steamed will still release some.

'Burping' won't do the trick. On the contrary, without air, gas will build up faster. I've been a Tupperware consultant for 53 years, and we have ALWAYS advised AGAINST storing raw crucifers in any kind in TW. Only exception is AccessMates and some FridgeSmarts that have air vents.

You can still find Zip Loc Fresh Produce bags in most markets. Be advised, you CANNOT reuse these bags, except for the same kind of produce. Once you use for broccoli, don't try to wash and then use again for lettuce.

Re: Lock & Lock

chickenbutt — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 20:56:04 GMT

On 2/19/2014 Texemgirl said:
Thank you all for responding! Daisy, thank you for the info ... really appreciate it!

I have cooked/stored broccoli like this all my life and this is the first time I had a problem. I did check the seal (put under water) and it was air tight so I guess it was just too much gas buildup this time ... wonder if it was because I couldn't "burp" excess air out??? Since this has been my only problem, I will purchase additional Lock & Lock and will follow Daisy's advice for storing broccoli.

BTW, I did get the smell out of the container. I soaked it in 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water for several hours ... then I made a baking soda paste and spread that on it for a few hours. No more smell!!! YEA!!!

You actually can 'burp' excess air out of a Lock & Lock - well, not the really small ones so much, but most of them. Just close all the locks except one and then put the heel of your hand on top and push down. You will hear the bit of air 'whoosh' out. Then, almost simultaneously, close the last lock.

Of course, you're not creating a vacuum or anything. But it never hurts to reduce the amount of air in the container. The more the air, the more the oxygen and it's the oxygen in air that contributes to aging the food.

Works great and since these really ARE airtight, it will stay that way. I figured this out some time back and have done it ever since.

Re: Lock & Lock

Texemgirl — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 03:59:08 GMT

I am learning so much ... thank you! Guess I was using my Tupperware incorrectly, but it still worked! lol I am replacing all my Tupperware right now since it has definitely seen better days ... I still had (and was using) Tupperware that I received as a graduation present in 1972 and I believe my last piece was purchased in 1988. Hope the L & L lasts that long!

Daisy, thank you for sharing all the helpful info. I didn't know about the Ziploc fresh produce bags. I need to start looking at what is available. I have a bad habit of knowing what I want and just grab and move on when it comes to non-food items.

Chickenbutt, thank you about the trick to "burp" the L & L. As soon as I get off the computer, I will be heading straight to my fridge to burp all the containers. BTW, your name makes me laugh! lol

Re: Lock & Lock

Deadeye Daisy — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 05:01:16 GMT

Remember, when 'burping', some things NEED air. Things like bologna, hot dogs, bacon (think 'processed'), cheese (especially living cheese), many fruits and veggies. 'Air tight is not the answer for everything.

Re: Lock & Lock

suzyQ3 — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 19:04:14 GMT

On 2/19/2014 Deadeye Daisy said:
Remember, when 'burping', some things NEED air. Things like bologna, hot dogs, bacon (think 'processed'), cheese (especially living cheese), many fruits and veggies. 'Air tight is not the answer for everything.

Even with "burping," there is still air in the container. There's no worries with the items you mention.