I started prepping in February 2020. And doing so I bought huge (6 pound) cans of black beans and tomato sauce. Three years later (stored/unopened in my basement), and I just opened up a can of each. Both cans passed the visual, odor and (small) taste test. A lot of sites online seem to be telling me to throw it out. I probably trust all of you more than those sites. Hold on to the rest or play it safe?
You're viewing a single comment thread. View all comments, or full comment thread.
Comments (17)
sorted by:
Canned meats are best to be approached with caution. If the can still draws in air when you open it, it is safe to smell it. If the smell doesn't seem off, it is safe to cook and eat. Most other non-acidic canned foods can last about 7 years from date of canning. Dried foods like beans, pastas, vegetables have a much longer shelf life and can approach 20 years or more in a low humidity, cool environment. Flavor can be saved from tasting stale by storing in vacuum sealed bags with small oxygen absorber sealed inside the package. Freeze dried foods that are sealed with an oxygen absorber have a virtually unlimited shelf life, especially stored in a cool dry place. Since water is so critical for dried foods, it is best to have multiple methods of purifying water. Water can be stored, if it is pure and completely free of bacteria, spores and contaminates in a sterile container and sealed properly. Polyethylene and stainless steel containers are best. You can buy and even make your own water purification systems, lots of online tutorials and materials lists. Purified water that is then distilled is as pure as it gets.