Tess,
Do I need to rotate my canned vegetables and fruits in my pantry?
Thanks,
Susan
Answer:
Susan,
I prefer to rotate my canned goods every 6 months to ensure that the food in my pantry is all within the food’s expiration. Now that I said that, I should also explain that even though the cans of food have gone past their expiration doesn’t mean it’s not edible. It only means that the food company’s guaranteed the freshness of that product up to that specific date. The date is usually 2-5 years from the manufacture date.
Here are some signs of spoiled food to look for:
- color changes
- cloudiness in liquid
- soft food texture
- crystals growing on top of food
- strange appearance or texture
- off smell
Many have found canned goods dating back multiple decades and the food is still edible because the environment of the food is still sterile. Also, high acid foods usually have a shorter shelf life compared to low acid foods. For emergency storage, commercially canned foods in metal or jars will remain safe to consume as long as the seal has not been broken. However, the quality of the food may be an issue.
I hope this helps!
Tess