How Long Are Home Canned Foods Good for?

The acidity of canned food can affect how long it will last.

Canning fresh produce from the garden is an excellent way to make use of any overflow. The degree of acidity and the method of canning can influence how long home-canned foods are safe to eat.

General

With proper storage and canning methods, home-canned foods should remain safe to eat for up to a year. The most important test in quality is the consumer's own judgment. Check for popped or dented lids and compromised seals. Open the jar and inspect the food carefully before consuming.

Acid Levels

The less acidic the food, the longer it can last. Canned meats have lasted up to five years and other low-acid foods, such as potatoes, pumpkins, peas and carrots, also have a longer shelf life. Higher acid levels in such items as fruits, tomatoes and food packed with vinegar will shorten the time it can be stored.

Considerations

Other factors that can affect the quality of home-canned goods include improper food preparation before canning, food being too tightly packed in the jar and improper cooling of jars after canning.

Warning

Always check the canned food before eating. Food poisoning, such as botulism, can be a potentially dangerous side effect. It is better to be safe; if there are any doubts about the item in question, it is recommended that it not be eaten.

References

• National Center for Home Food Preperation: Frequently Asked Canning Questions
• Families: How Long Will Your Canned Foods Last?
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension Publications: Can Home-Canned Food Spoil?

Resources

• Wrong Diagnosis: Botulism