Major Misconceptions About Canned Meat
We’ve all seen the images of survivalists’ basement food stockpiles. Their stash is loaded with hundreds of canned foods, including soups, vegetables, fruits, and meats.
Due to some unfounded myths about canned food, it’s gotten a bad name in some circles. Today I’m going to tell you why that’s unfair.
The truth is, canned food can be a great addition to your emergency food supply. And when those cans are kept in a cool, dry, and dark place away from pests, they can hold food that stays good beyond their “use by” dates.
Not as Nutritious?
So, let’s take a look at a few of the misconceptions many people have about canned food, including meat.
One myth is that canned food is not as nutritious as its frozen and fresh counterparts. But the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics tells us that’s just not true.
If food is canned at its peak in nutrition and taste, it can stay that way for years. The can provides a secure home for it.
Fruits and vegetables, for example, are washed and sometimes cut, chopped, or pitted before canning. Lids are sealed tightly. The can is then heated to kill harmful bacteria and quickly cooled.
Short Shelf Life?
Another misconception is that canned food only stays good for a short time. Many people believe that since use-by dates are only a few months to a couple of years from purchase, frequent stockpile rotation is required.
But according to food experts, canned food can last much longer. Over time, its nutritional value will decrease. And its taste and texture may change. But it could still be safe to eat.
If the cans are in good shape (no rust, swelling, dents, or leaks), some say canned tomatoes can maintain their quality for 18 months beyond the use-by date.
Other canned items, like meat and vegetables with low acid content, could stay good for two to five years.
Use-By Date Expirations?
A use-by date doesn’t mean the food is unsafe to eat after that date.
It usually just means the manufacturer can’t guarantee the best taste beyond that date.
In other words, use-by dates are about quality, not safety. There are other ways to tell if canned food is still good.
That said, canned food doesn’t last forever. If your canned food is several years past its use-by date, it’s best to toss it.
Canned Meat Is Long-Lasting
Some people believe canned meat is dangerous because of the risk of botulism.
The truth is, meat lasts longer in a can than many other foods due to its low acidity.
This is true for poultry and fish, too. Other low-acidic foods—like stews, pasta products, vegetables, and soups (except tomato soup)—also have longer shelf lives.
Canned foods with high acidity won’t last as long. Tomatoes, juices, pickles, sauerkraut, and fruits typically have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months.
Storage Warnings
What’s the best way to store canned food—including meat—so it stays good for as long as possible?
As mentioned earlier, a cool, dry, and dark place is best. Warmth, moisture, and light can all shorten shelf life.
Avoid storing canned food under a sink, above a stove, in a damp garage or basement, or in a shed.
Even if stored properly, check the can before opening it. Look for cracks, dents, swelling, or rust. And smell the food once it’s opened.
Your Canning Guidelines
What about food you can yourself? Will it last as long as store-bought canned food?
Probably not. Unless you have equipment that hermetically seals cans, home-canned food typically lasts about a year—if stored properly.
If you’re canning food, boil high-acid foods for at least 10 minutes before canning. Low-acid foods should be boiled for 20 minutes.
Once opened, canned food should be eaten within three or four days if stored in the fridge.
No matter what myths you’ve heard about canned food—including canned meats—don’t be afraid to make it part of your survival stash.
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