PETE bottles are clear plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate. They can be identified by “PET” or “PETE” with a “1” in a recycling triangle on or at the bottom of the bottle. PETE bottles provide a good oxygen barrier and can be used with oxygen absorbing packets to dry pack food that is dry (10% or less moisture) and low fat. Using only PETE bottles that have previously been used for liquids ensures having the correct lid for dry packing food. Appropriate lids will have a soft or rubbery substance on the underside and will be airtight. Use PETE bottles to dry-pack foods that are small enough to comfortably pour through the mouth of the bottle such as rice, small beans, wheat, and other grains. Use 48-ounce, 64-ounce (half gallon), 96-ounce, or 128-ounce (1 gallon) bottles.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Wash and completely dry bottles. If bottles retain an odor from the previous contents (e.g., strong juices), fill the bottles with water, add about 1/4 cup baking soda, shake, and let soak for 24 hours or more.
- Fill thoroughly dried bottles with food, shaking periodically to help the food settle and compact.
- Remove oxygen absorbers from their container – one for each PETE bottle – and reseal the container.
- Put one oxygen absorber in each bottle of food, poking it down into the food. Absorbers can also be put into the bottle during filling, if preferred.
- Wipe the bottle rim with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to make sure no food or food dust is on the rim.
- Screw on the lid. Tape down the lid if there is a chance that someone could accidentally open the bottle during storage.
- Label and date bottles.
- Store in a relatively cool, dark place.
- Protect the filled bottles from rodents.
PETE bottles are easier to fill when using a funnel. Make a funnel by cutting off the top of a clean, dry, 2-liter carbonated beverage bottle at the “shoulder” of the bottle.
PETE bottles are a good container to transfer foods into from an open #10 can or foil pouch. Transfer the food from the can or pouch to the bottle, transfer the oxygen absorber to the PETE bottle, wipe the rim of the mouth, and screw on the lid. The contents can be seen easily and the food remains protected from insects, humidity, and air between uses.
Dry packing granulated sugar or salt is unnecessary. Put the sugar or salt in the bottle, wipe the mouth rim, and screw on the lid.
Foods that can be dry packed in PETE bottles include white rice, wheat, popcorn and other whole grains, oatmeal, dry beans, powdered milk, white flour, small pasta without egg, freeze dried foods, dehydrated foods that are crisp enough to snap, TVP, cheese powder, gelatin, and low-fat ready-to-eat cereals.