MAPWARE FAQs

FAQs

What is MAP Packaging?

MAP, or Modified Atmosphere Packaging, is a proven technology that has been used by food processors and packagers world-wide since the 1930s’ to keep food fresh up to 10x longer. MAP packaging replaces the damaging oxygen inside of a container with 100% food grade, natural, organic, inert – nitrogen. 78% of the air we breathe is nitrogen. Sometimes other atmospheric gases are also used – such as CO2 and Argon. All are used to extend the shelf life of food products, safely, effectively and naturally.

How Does MAPWARE Work?

Once a food item – fresh, dry or frozen – is placed in one of MAPWARE’s patented Soft Bags or airtight glass containers, it takes just ONE SECOND to replace the oxygen with a blast of pure, food-grade nitrogen, using the same technology as the big packaged-food producers. Your food is now sealed and protected, just as it was before you bought it. And best of all, you can use your MAPWARE containers over and over again, for just pennies per use, as everything except for the nitrogen itself is reusable.

What Makes MAPWARE Unique?

MAPWARE from Natural Storage Systems is the first and only food packaging and storage system that removes the damaging oxygen that causes food to deteriorate and replaces it with safe, organic nitrogen, keeping your fresh and even prepared foods closer to their original store-bought quality for days, or even weeks longer. Nitrogen-filled packaging (known as MAP packaging) is what major food manufacturers use to extend the life of their packaged products. Now, for the first time, you can create your own freshness-extending, money-saving MAP packaging, right in your own home. MAPWARE is the food storage system that actually pays for itself by significantly saving you money on spoiled and wasted food.

Is Nitrogen Safe for Food?

Nitrogen is natural, organic, and 100% safe. In fact, 78% of the air we breathe is nitrogen; Most of the remaining 22% is oxygen, and that’s what causes the rancidity and oxidation that ultimately leads to harmful mold and bacteria. Food pests, mold, and many bacteria also require oxygen to grow and cannot survive in an anerobic, nitrogen-rich environment.

Am I Spraying Something on My Food?

No. There is nothing sprayed onto or inside the food. The air is simply exchanged around the food. Damaging oxygen is removed (or at least diluted) and replaced with natural, organic nitrogen – extending the shelf life of the product. This is the same nitrogen used by food companies and grocery stores to extend the shelf life of their chips, bagged salads, meat, fish, poultry and much, much more.

Does This Work for Fruits and Vegetables?

Yes. Most fruits and vegetables give off a natural gas (called ethylene) as they ripen. A banana will go from green to yellow to brown as it ripens, releasing this gas. MAPWARE removes most or all of the ethylene gas – slowing the ripening and extending the shelf life of the product.

Does This Work for Meat, Poultry or Fish?

Yes. Meat, fish and poultry deteriorate quickly when exposed to oxygen. Reducing the O2 levels inside the container and replacing it with our Natural Preserve nitrogen blend retards bacteria and preserves the red color of meat. This is not, however, a replacement for poor handling of the product and all meats, fish, poultry should be refrigerated.

How Do I Know the MAPWARE System Works?

Independent laboratory testing has proven that MAPWARE containers, when used in conjunction with canisters of Natural Preserve nitrogen, will instantly reduce the presence of damaging oxygen from the container – thereby extending the shelf life of the stored product.

How Long Will My Food Last?

There are several variables in food storage that affect how long foods stay fresh. The age and condition of the product is one consideration. Some foods travel great distances before arriving at the grocery and may have varying expiration dates. Farmers markets or fresh picked fruit and vegetable should last longer than store-bought, depending on the freshness and condition of the product when harvested. MAPWARE will always extend the shelf life longer than regular storage methods. NOTE: No packaging or storage systems will keep food products fresh and safe indefinitely. MAPWARE does not reverse the ripening process (only slows it) and it is not an excuse for poor or improper food handling. Bad food in – is still bad food out. Always follow storage guidelines and safe food handling and preparation techniques. If storing packaged foods – store according to package recommendations.

How Big a Problem is Food Waste?

According to USDA and the American Dairy Association, the average American family of 4 throws out 250 lbs. of food each year^{1 2}– about 1/4 of all the food they buy.³ With food prices having risen 22% in the past year, that cost is now close to $1800 per year.⁴Extending your food’s shelf life with MAP packaging puts that money back in your pocket, more than covering the cost of your MAPWARE system.

Are the MAPWARE Products Environmentally Safe?

Yes. All of our products are either BPA free, re-useable, recyclable and environmentally safe. There are no CFC’s or propellants used in our canisters. They are simply pressurized, food grade nitrogen and/or CO2, filtered and taken directly from the air we breathe.

How Expensive is MAPWARE to Use?

Because every part of the MAPWARE system (except for the Natural Preserve nitrogen) is washable and reusable, MAPWARE is extremely inexpensive to use. With up to 100 uses per can of Natural Preserve, your cost is just pennies per use. You can also order 4, 8, and 12 pack bundles of nitrogen cans to save even more!

How Do the Snap-N-Zap Caps Create MAP Packaging from my Existing Food Bags?

You can extend the freshness of bread, hot dog and hamburger buns, tortillas, bagels, bagged salads, and more with MAPWARE’s exclusive Snap-N-Zap caps and clips. They let you instantly turn these bread and salad bags into sealed, nitrogen-filled MAPWARE containers. Once all of the food is consumed, the cap and clip can be easily removed to use over and over again. Unfortunately, these are not designed to work with heavier and mylar-type packaging (i.e. potato chip and other snack bags). To keep those foods fresher, longer, simply put the food (or the entire bag) INSIDE one of MAPWARE’S Zip and Zap bags and add one blast of nitrogen. That’s it!

Why Did My Nitrogen Can Feel Empty When I Received it?

When you receive your can(s) of Natural Preserve nitrogen, your can WILL feel empty. We guarantee you that it is NOT EMPTY. Unlike a can of whipped cream or even hairspray, where there is product inside, along with the gas propellant, our cans of Natural Preserve contain only organic, natural, food-grade nitrogen and should provide up to 100 one-second applications.

Does MAPWARE help against Food Pests?

Nothing’s worse than going into your flour, cereal, or other dried food and finding mites, moths, or other creatures. It’s not just that they are in your food when you purchase it; these creatures could also be reproducing – right inside the package. Fortunately, NO living organism can survive in the sealed, anerobic (oxygen-free) atmosphere created by all MAPWARE products.

Do I have to Use More Nitrogen Every Time I Open a MAPWARE Container?

Yes. Every time you open a sealed MAPWARE container, oxygen is being re-introduced. Once you remove the food needed, the package needs to be re-sealed and a one-second blast of Natural Preserve needs to be re-applied.

Why Does Moisture Sometimes Build up in the Containers?

There are several reasons moisture can form, including wet products that have not been dried before storage. Fresh-picked produce tends to be warmer than stored produce. Warm produce placed in a cool bag (and vise-versa) can cause condensation. Freon in refrigerators can cause moisture and condensation to form. Many food products naturally contain moisture and it will release as the product ages or ripens. Sometimes products will release this moisture after being stored, even though it was dried prior to storage. Meat, fish, poultry and produce may give off some internal moisture which can cause ice crystals to form inside packages when placed in refrigerator or freezer.

What Should I Do If I See Moisture?

Regularly check for moisture build-up and wipe it out with a paper towel whenever it develops. It may also help to place a paper towel inside with the stored product to help absorb excess moisture build up. Then, simply reapply Natural Preserve after every opening.

Should I Cut My Food Before Storing?

Products will still benefit from the Natural Storage System if cut up ahead of time.

However, we recommend keeping products as whole as possible to help eliminate surface exposure to oxygen.