That date on your canned food might not mean what you think

A guide to keeping your canned food fresh.

Key Takeaways

• Discard cans that are dented, bulging, rusting, or leaking to avoid foodborne illnesses.
• Store canned goods in a cool, dry place and rotate stock to maintain freshness.
• Opened canned food should be refrigerated in airtight containers within two hours.

The whole purpose of stocking canned foods in your pantry is to have ingredients on hand when you need them, with the confidence that they'll last for long periods of time. But how long is too long when it comes to storing canned goods? We'll discuss how long canned food really lasts, how to store it properly before and after opening, and how to recognize signs of spoilage.

Shelf Life of Canned Foods

You might assume canned foods last forever, but you'll find that most come with a "sell-by" or "use-by" date printed on the can. While shelf-stable items can last well beyond their sell-by date, their quality may start to decline after their use-by date. This is especially true for acidic foods like tomatoes, which can react with cans over time, causing taste and texture changes.

While you can extend the life of your canned goods past their sell-by date, if you notice your cans are dented, bulging, rusting, or otherwise compromised, it's best to discard them.

Proper Storage Techniques

To store your canned goods properly, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep them cool and dry: Store your canned goods in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid temperature changes: Keep your cans away from stovetops, and avoid storing them in a garage or spots with unregulated or freezing temperatures.
• Store off the floor: Store your canned goods on shelves, minimizing the risk of moisture damage or pests.
• First in, first out: Rotate your stock to use older canned goods first.

Tips When Storing Leftover Canned Foods

Most leftover canned items will remain fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator, while tomatoes and other types of sauces can even last for up to a week. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage. Before storing your leftovers, keep these tips in mind to maintain their safety and freshness:

• Store within two hours: Make sure your canned foods are refrigerated or frozen within two hours after opening to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
• Transfer to an airtight container: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or a zip-top bag before refrigerating. Avoid storing food directly in the can, which can cause spoilage and off-flavors.
• Use a clean spoon: Always use a clean utensil to transfer your leftovers to storage containers to minimize potential contamination.
• Label and date: Label your item with the date it was opened to make sure you use it within 3 or 4 days.
• Check for spoilage: Before using stored leftovers, inspect for signs of spoilage, like an off-smell, mold, or discoloration.

Risks of Improper Storage

Properly storing canned foods is essential to maintain freshness and prevent foodborne illnesses.

Improper storage can increase the risk of botulism—a deadly form of food poisoning. For this reason, always inspect cans before use and discard any that are leaking, bulging, or badly dented. Once opened, check for foul odors, cloudiness, or spurting liquid when opening.

But the risks don't stop there. Harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli can also grow if opened canned food is left at room temperature for too long. Storing food in an opened can for an extended period can cause a metallic taste or lead to chemicals, such as BPA from can linings, to leach into the food. Acidic items like tomatoes or fruits are particularly susceptible to reactions with metal cans, which can negatively impact their quality and flavor.

Special Considerations for Home-Canned Foods

Take extra care with home-canned foods. These carry a higher risk of botulism, particularly if safe canning methods weren't used when processing. To reduce the risk, boil low-acid foods and tomato-based items in a saucepan for 10 minutes before using, adding an extra minute of boiling time for every 1000 feet in elevation.

Frequently asked Questions

Are there any canned foods that last longer than others?

Low-acid foods like canned meats, beans, and veggies have a longer shelf-life than acidic foods like tomatoes or other fruits.

Can I eat canned food past its expiration date?

If the quality of the can is intact, it's often safe to eat canned foods past their expiration date. Note that the quality may deteriorate over time, even if the item is safe to eat.

Read the original article on Southern Living