How Does Canned Food Stay Preserved?

Canned food is a convenient and cost-effective way to store food for long periods of time. Canned goods are often used in emergency scenarios, since they can last for years if stored correctly.

Canned goods are sealed airtight and don’t require refrigeration. But how does canned food stay preserved?

Canning

Canning is the process used to preserve food in cans. The food is cooked and then sealed inside an airtight container.

This process removes oxygen from the container, preventing bacteria from growing and spoiling the food. To ensure that the product lasts longer, preservatives such as salt, sugar, acid, or oil may be added to the can.

Sterilization

The cans are then sterilized at a high temperature to kill any bacteria that may be present in the contents of the can. The sterilization process also helps preserve the flavor of the food by preventing it from decaying.

Sealed Lids

The cans must also have sealed lids that prevent air from getting inside and spoiling the contents of the can.

This ensures that no new bacteria can enter and spoil the food.

Conclusion:

By combining cooking and sterilization with sealed lids, canned foods are able to remain preserved for long periods of time without needing refrigeration or other special storage conditions. This makes them ideal for emergency scenarios where access to fresh produce may be limited.