If you have ever been wondering if it is safe to store canned goods on their side, you are not alone. A lot of people have this question, but not many people know the answer. The truth is that it depends on the type of canned good that you are trying to store. In this blog post, we will discuss whether or not it is safe to store certain canned goods on their side. We will also provide some tips for storing canned goods properly!
Can Canned Goods Be Stored On Their Side?
Yes. It is safe to store canned goods on their side. This does not impact the expiration date or quality of the contents. Storing your canned food on its side is just as fine as storing them upright. The expiration date and the type of canned good are much more important for storage considerations.
Does Canned Food Need To Be Stored Upright?
No. Canned foods don’t have to be stored upright. In fact, it’s perfectly fine to store cans on their sides. This doesn’t impact the expiration date or quality of the canned food. The type of canned food also doesn’t matter. Storing cans with food in a dry place is much more important. Unopened canned food storage is a convenient way to store foods for long periods. Just be sure to check the expiration date.
Where should I store canned food?
You should find a cold and dark place for storing canned items. A cool, dry pantry away from sunlight is ideal. Canned goods should not be stored in a place where the temperature goes above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Canned goods stored at higher temperatures can decrease the nutritional value of the product. As temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of spoilage increases rapidly. Likewise, canned food products for tropical environments are specially manufactured if they are susceptible to extreme temperatures. After opening a can, you can put the food in a clean container and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
How do I know if a can of food is spoiled?
Look for the tell-tale signs. Here are a few.
Expiration Date
All canned food has an expiration date. The expiration date is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the product will retain its original quality and flavor. If it’s past the expiration date, it much more likely to be spoiled.
Bulging Can
When the food rots and grows mold the gases cause the bulging. Bulging cans or metal lids is a good sign the stored canned food is no longer good.
Leaking Cans
If the canned good has leaks, then the contents have been exposed to air and contamination. This makes the expiration date void since the seal has been broken.
Bad Smells
It is possible that food has been contaminated with something from slight to repellent odors.
Mold Forming After Removal
If mold is present in the metal lid or around the lid, the contents cannot be eaten. You should not taste food in this state. It should be thrown away.
Is It Okay To Buy Dented Cans Of Food?
Dents in canned food are not a safety concern. Dented cans, however, can lead to food spoilage if additional damage isn’t detected. A dent in a can could cause a small hole which would allow oxygen and bacteria to enter the product and contaminate it. If you see any dented cans while grocery shopping, be sure to inspect them closely before purchasing.
Dented cans are often discounted because they do not look as appealing on store shelves. Small scratches are fine but larger scratches can break the seal to prevent bacteria from entering the food. So when we see dents from cans in supermarkets, just inspect them closely to ensure there is no additional damage that will impact the shelf life.
Can I Put Unopened Canned Food In The freezer?
After opening canned goods, the food should be stored in a clean container in the fridge. If you have unopened canned goods, they can be stored in the freezer. However, keep in mind that frozen canned goods will not last forever. The quality of the food will start to decline after a few months.
In Conclusion: Storing Canned Foods
Canned foods are a great way to store food for long periods of time. Just be sure to check the expiration date and inspect for any damage before consuming. When in doubt, throw it out! Store canned goods in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard away from sunlight. Canned goods stored at higher temperatures can decrease.