How Long Can You Store Home Canned Food?

Home canning has become a popular way to preserve food for later use. It is an economical and easy way to store food for longer periods of time, but it is important to understand how long home canned food can be stored before it starts to lose its flavor, texture and nutrition.

The shelf-life of home canned foods depends on the type of food being canned and the method used to can it. Generally, high-acid foods can be stored at room temperature for 12-18 months, while low-acid foods must be kept in a cool location and can last up to five years.

High-acid foods include fruits, tomatoes, jams, jellies and relishes. Low-acid foods include vegetables, meat and fish.

Regardless of the type of food being canned or the method used, it is important that all jars are sealed properly when being canned. If any jars are not correctly sealed then they must be consumed within a few days as they may spoil quickly due to air exposure. Additionally, when storing home canned goods it is important that they are kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources as this can cause the food to spoil faster.

Another factor that affects the shelf life of home canned goods is the quality of the ingredients used. Fresh produce that is not overripe or spoiled will result in higher quality cans with a longer shelf life than cans made from produce that was close to spoiling.

Conclusion:

Home canned goods are an excellent way to store food for longer periods of time. The shelf life of home canned items varies depending on what type of food is being stored and the method used for canning them.

In general, high acid foods can last 12-18 months at room temperature while low acid foods must be kept in cool locations and have a shelf life up to five years. It is also important that jars are sealed properly when being canned as well as avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources when storing them in order to get the longest shelf life possible.