homefoodstorage.com

This is where we all probably start out with our home food storage, simply because these are easy to get our hands on and we're already very familiar with them. Canned goods are carried in every grocery store across the country, and are a great way to store a variety of food that is fairly quick and easy to prepare. In an emergency, it's much easier to simply open a can of fruit or veggies (or even stew) for dinner than it is to create a meal from scratch. Just make sure to invest in some manual can openers!

Because of the abundance of canned goods that are available, it's very easy to buy them on sale. This quickly gives you an immediate supply of food storage that you didn't have to break your budget for. Make sure you stay away from any cans that are dented, rusted or in any way damaged. No matter how good the deal is, or how much you saved, it won't be worth it if when you need it you can't eat it. So if you're looking to store food away for a longer length of time then keep in mind that "you get what you pay for". In this case quality really does count! Don't buy cans for food storage that are dented, rusted or damaged in any way.

Although most of the canned goods come with a "use by" date stamped on the can the food is often still good past that date. The taste will begin to deteriorate, but the food is still edible in an emergency. A good rule of thumb to go buy is that high-acid foods, such as tomato's and fruits, will only last between 18-24 months. Low-acid foods such as vegetables and beans will last 2-5 years or more when properly canned.

When it comes to storing canned goods, make sure to keep them up off the concrete, as this tends to draw moisture up to the cans and may cause rusting. Try to store them in an area no warmer than 75 degrees and no colder than freezing. The cooler you can keep it the longer it will store (usually). Freezing temperatures will cause the cans to bulge and will change the texture of the food.

Initially, vitamins are lost in the heating process necessary for canning but for the most part the levels stay the same as fresh food. Over time the vitamin levels will once again begin to drop in the cans, but not significantly enough to worry about; especially when the canned goods are used by the date recommended by the manufacturer.

If you've done your own canning in glass jars, then the food may last even longer than the cans you buy in the store. Provided you used quality produce and meats, and knew what you were doing. Practice really does make perfect, and the more you "can" the better you will get at it.

You'll need to keep the glass jars away from sunlight, as light will accelerate chemical reactions in the food. Make sure to date the lids, so you know when it was canned and how long it has been on the shelf. Always check the seal before use to ensure that it's still tight and that air hasn't gotten in to spoil the food.

Pros: Canned goods are readily available, inexpensive and will last 1-5 years in the cupboards.

Cons: The length of time that canned foods will store is limited and so the stock does need to be continually rotated to maintain its quality. If you live in an area with lots of humidity, watch for rust on the metal cans. That's a sure sign that the food inside is no longer good. Also, any bulging or dented cans should be disposed of. Keep your eye on the dates printed on the can and when in doubt, throw it out!