Canned food is a staple in many pantries, and the convenience of storing it without refrigeration is one of its main benefits. But when it comes to storing canned food in the refrigerator, is it safe and advisable?
The answer to that question depends on the type of canned food you’re storing. In general, most canned goods are safe to store in the refrigerator for short-term use.
This includes items like canned vegetables, fruits, soups, and sauces. However, for longer-term storage, it’s best to keep these items at room temperature.
When it comes to more perishable foods such as fish products or ready-to-eat meals, refrigeration is recommended. These types of foods have a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within two days after opening the can.
Advantages of Refrigerating Canned Food
Storing canned food in the refrigerator can help extend its shelf life and ensure that it stays fresh for longer periods of time. This is especially important for baby food jars, which should be stored in the fridge immediately after opening.
In addition, refrigerating certain kinds of canned foods can help reduce their risk of contamination with bacteria and other microorganisms. For example, if you open a can of tuna or salmon that has been sitting at room temperature for an extended period of time, it’s best to transfer it to the fridge before eating.
Disadvantages of Refrigerating Canned Food
Although refrigerating canned food may have some advantages, there are also some drawbacks. For one thing, storing cans in the refrigerator can cause them to rust or become damaged over time due to condensation buildup inside the cans.
In addition, transferring already opened cans from room temperature to cold temperatures can result in changes in texture and flavor. For example, canned fruits and vegetables may become mushy if stored in the fridge for too long.
Conclusion
Overall, whether or not you should store canned food in your refrigerator depends on what type of product it is and how long you plan on keeping it. For most canned goods such as vegetables or fruits, short-term storage in the fridge is safe but not necessary; however for more perishable items like fish products or ready-to-eat meals they should be stored in the refrigerator until they are consumed.