Home canned food is a great way to preserve the taste of summer fruits and vegetables all year round. It can be a time consuming process, but the results are worth it. Unlike store bought canned goods, home canned food does not contain preservatives or other chemicals that can affect the flavor or texture of the food. But once you’ve gone through the effort of home canning, you may be wondering if you need to refrigerate your canned foods or not.
The answer is yes, most home canned food should be kept in the refrigerator once it has been opened. This helps to keep bacteria from growing and spoiling the food. Bacteria needs moisture and oxygen to grow and thrive, and when air is allowed into a jar of home canned food, it provides both.
Refrigeration will slow bacteria growth by reducing moisture and oxygen levels in the container.
When storing home canned food in the refrigerator, make sure that you use it within two to three days after opening. Also make sure that you cover the jar with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the refrigerator to help keep bacteria out.
It’s important to note that some types of home canned foods such as pickles, relish, and jam do not have to be refrigerated after being opened because they have a high acid content which helps prevent bacterial growth. These types of foods will still keep for several months if stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion:
Do You Have To Refrigerate Home Canned Food? The answer is yes – most types of home-canned food should be kept in the refrigerator once opened for optimal safety and freshness. Certain high-acid foods such as pickles, relish, and jams can be stored at room temperature after opening; however they should still be consumed within several months for best quality results.