How long can you keep home preserved items before they should be thrown out?
The answer to this question is going to depend on storage conditions.
Have your canned foods been stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight? That will lengthen the shelf life.
I tend to keep my home-canned foods, if they last that long, up to 5 years. I really try not to can so much of any item that I will still have some that gets to the 5-year-old point. If I find I have items that are nearing 5 years, then at 4 years, I need to pull them out and make using them a priority.
In my opinion, after 5 years, even though the home-canned foods are safe to eat if canned properly, the nutritional value deteriorates greatly.
What are your thoughts on this question?
patsi
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I had always thought it was two years so I am really happy to have you say five!
ReplyDeleteLana, the storage conditions are a big factor but this time frame is what I've always used and it has worked for us.
DeleteDaddy always said 5 yrs(he is 92) We have always stored in basement (not heated except by the motors on the deep freezers and frig) and not in sun light. I do 5 yrs. I always do first in first out so new can goods go behind old can goods.
ReplyDeleteChef Owings, that's the way I've always done it too! I hope you still have your dad with you, he sounds like a wise man!
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