FOOD NEWS
12 Tips For Properly Storing Canned Goods
BY PETER W.Y. LEE
Cool, Dark Environment
To help canned foods retain their quality, store them in a cool, dark place at a temperature between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The sun can heat cans, which slowly leads to spoilage and can cause the can's colors to fade. You also don't want to put them somewhere that they could potentially freeze.
Keep Them Dry
Although canned goods are packed with water or other liquids inside, the exterior should be kept from moisture which can lead to rust and mildew.
Excess external moisture can even trigger bacterial growth in the food itself, so avoid moist conditions and inspect cans often if you live in a humid region.
Allow For Air Flow
Avoid storing cans too closely together, as the aluminum they are made of can potentially corrode when in contact with other metals.
When aluminum is placed next to certain metals, the two may form an electrical charge that typically weakens aluminum, so be sure to keep your cans distanced.
Store Together
It may be tempting to store canned goods in any nook and cranny you find, but it’s best to store them all together, particularly at eye level.
Canned goods have a reputation for long shelf lives, but storing them out of sight may mean you never use them or forget where they are altogether.
Rotate Your Stock
Whether you choose to literally rotate your pantry by adding lazy Susans or simply remember to shift older cans to the front, don’t let canned foods languish.
Although canned goods are made for long-term storage and the best-by date is often a signifier of when it’s freshest, try to eat older cans first and save fresher ones for later.