Canned foods are a good option if you want to store your pantry for an emergency.
Canned foods are a good option if you want to store your pantry for an emergency. Their long shelf life, between 2-5 years, is due to doomsday preppers, infectious food hoarders and those looking for easy-to-find foods among everyday people.
So what gives canned foods its longevity? Let’s see.
Canning process
Before processing, the food is heated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to kill all microorganisms and deactivate any enzymes, preventing decomposition or spoilage. Clogging it protects against exposure to bacteria or other organisms in the air.
As long as it is sealed, the food contained in it will be preserved for several years.
Does canned food retain its nutrients?
Some fear that the high temperatures used in the heating process may destroy the inherent nutrients of the food. But studies show that canned foods retain their original nutritional value. This is great news if you hate chopping and preparing fresh vegetables.
Open the can of green beans or spinach and you will be able to enjoy the same vitamins and minerals you get from their new counterparts.
Canning is not a DIY project
Some people like to try their hand at processing their foods, but most health professionals encourage new canisters. If you do not follow the procedure properly, you may be at risk of canned food botulism poisoning.
Botulinum poisoning is very dangerous. This will cause the muscles in the victim to fail. (Incidentally, small amounts of botulinum are used in cosmetic treatment to paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles on the face).
But consuming such a substance can kill you, so you should leave the canning to experts.
Safe choice
In recent years, there have been many recalls regarding new products due to the eruption of E. coli and listeria. It is good to know that there are other ways to go about fresh fruits and vegetables.
Remember to look at the list of ingredients to make sure you are getting the full health benefits of canned foods.
Do not buy products that contain too much salt or sugar. Stick to unproductive products, and you’re good to go!
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