When Was Metal Canned Food Invented?

The invention of metal cans was a major development in food preservation technology, revolutionizing the way people stored and ate food. The earliest form of the metal can dates back to 1810 when French military chef Nicholas Appert developed an airtight preservation method for canned foods.

This method involved sealing food inside of glass jars and submerging them in boiling water for sterilization. Although this process proved effective at preserving food, it was not until 1858 that a practical and reliable metal can was invented.

The modern metal can and its associated sealing technology were invented by British merchant Peter Durand in 1810. Initially, Durand’s cans were made from iron and sealed with a tin-lead alloy called solder.

The solder would melt and seal the lid onto the can during the cooking process, thereby preserving the contents inside. This technology was quickly adopted by the British Royal Navy who used it to store provisions such as meat, vegetables, jam, and soup.

The first cans used by civilians were large, heavy tin containers that had to be opened with a hammer and chisel. These cans were expensive to produce and difficult to open, so they were mainly used by industrial manufacturers who could afford them. By 1870 however advances in production techniques had made these cans much more affordable for home use.

Over time various improvements have been made to metal canned foods; for example some are now lined with a plastic coating instead of solder to make them easier to open. In addition many companies now offer BPA-free cans which are considered safer than traditional cans.

Conclusion:

Metal canned food was initially invented in 1810 by French military chef Nicholas Appert but it wasn’t until Peter Durand’s invention in 1858 that it became a practical and reliable solution for food preservation. Since then various improvements have been made to metal canned foods making them both easier to open and safer for consumers.