When Did Canned Food Become Popular in the US?

The canned food industry has been around for more than two centuries, but it wasn’t until the turn of the 20th century that it began to become popular in the United States. Before then, canned food was mainly used by military forces and for long voyages at sea.

The invention of canning technology is credited to French chef Nicolas Appert, who discovered a method of preserving food by heating it and sealing it in airtight containers. His invention revolutionized the way food could be stored, and soon after, canning became a popular means of preserving food in Europe. By the early 1800s, Appert’s method was being used to preserve fruits and vegetables across Europe.

It wasn’t until 1820 that canned food first made its way to American shores. At that time, a Massachusetts-based company called Durkee & Co. began importing canned foods from Europe for domestic consumption. The products included soups, meats, fruits and vegetables.

The popularity of canned food quickly spread throughout the nation as more and more companies began producing their own canned goods. By the mid-1800s, canning had become an established industry in America.

By the turn of the 20th century, canned food had become widely accepted as a convenient and affordable way to enjoy fresh foods year-round without having to worry about spoilage or contamination. With advances in technology came new ways to preserve foods using cans — such as pasteurization, which allowed for longer shelf life — making canned goods even more popular.

Today, canned foods are ubiquitous in American grocery stores and kitchens alike. They are widely used both commercially and domestically due their convenience, affordability and long shelf life. From soups to fruits to vegetables – there is no shortage of delicious options when it comes to enjoying canned foods.

In conclusion, canned food has been around since the early 1800s but didn’t become popular in the US until around 1900 when advances in canning technology made them an affordable and convenient option for both commercial and domestic use. Today they are widely accepted across America due their convenience and long shelf life.