How Long Will Home Canned Food Last?

Home Canning: How Long Will Home Canned Food Last?

Home canning is a great way to preserve food for later use. It allows you to preserve the bounty of your garden for months or even years, giving you access to fresh produce all year round.

But how long will home canned foods last? The answer depends on the type of food being canned and the method used.

The first factor to consider when determining how long home canned foods will last is the type of food being canned. Fruits and vegetables that are high in acidity, such as tomatoes, will last much longer than low-acid foods, such as meat or poultry. High-acid foods can be safely stored for up to 18 months, while low-acid foods should be consumed within six months.

Another factor that affects the shelf life of home canned food is the method used. If a boiling water bath canner is used, then the food should last up to 18 months; whereas if a pressure canner is used, it should last up to 5 years. Properly sealed jars also play a role in determining how long home canned food will last – jars that are not properly sealed may spoil faster.

In conclusion, the shelf life of home canned food depends on both the type of food and method used in canning it. High acidity fruits and vegetables that are boiled water bath canned can typically be stored for up to 18 months; whereas low-acid foods should be eaten within 6 months. Pressure canned items may last up to 5 years if sealed properly.