Canned food or preserved food is a type of food that is very popular during Tet holidays because of its convenience. Let’s explore more with TasteVN and save some kitchen tips to choose safe canned food for your health!
1 What is canned food?
Canning is a method used to preserve food and is becoming increasingly popular. This process occurs in anaerobic conditions and was invented by Nicolas Appert and was first used by the French army.
Most types of food need to be processed before undergoing the canning process. Some methods used include cooking, pasteurization, drying, vacuum sealing, etc., to kill bacteria as well as remove some initial properties.
2 How to choose canned food
The Lunar New Year is a time when everyone eagerly shops not only for decorations but also for food and drinks for the family. The concern for homemakers is how to buy food that is not only delicious, nutritious, but also convenient for the busy days of Tet.
Canned food is considered a viable option because it has many advantages, being both convenient and ensuring nutritional value in dishes. To choose good and safe canned food, you can refer to some tips shared below:
Observe the external appearance
The first thing to consider when buying satisfactory and safe canned food is to pay attention to the external shape of the can. If they are intact, not dented, scratched, rusty, swollen, or punctured, then that is a new and quality food can.
For quality canned products, when you tap the can, it will make a “ringing” sound, while if it makes a “thud” sound, it may be spoiled.
Examine the can lid
If the lid of the can is slightly concave, you can rest assured because this is the result of the high-temperature processing. When finished, steam will condense, causing the air inside the can to expand, leading to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the product.
Pay attention to the expiration date
No matter what type of packaged food you buy, you must pay attention to the expiration date. You should only buy food cans that are still within the expiration date and minimize purchasing products that are close to expiring.
Observe labels and brands
A safe product always has complete labels and information about the production facility as well as product information.
Therefore, you should only buy products that are still in their original packaging, with intact labels and no signs of tampering or alteration.
Pay attention to the ingredients of the product
You should limit purchasing products that contain many preservatives and antioxidants. Because foods stored in metal cans can cause unwanted reactions or these substances may leach into the seams.
At the same time, you also need to limit buying products containing food additives that you do not fully understand.
Pay attention to the material of the product container
You should not buy products that are packaged and contained in bottles, boxes, or other containers made of plastic. Some toxins from plastic can leach into food when it is still wet, especially foods containing alcohol or acid.
3 How to store canned food
Most canned products have their expiration dates and storage instructions indicated. You just need to follow the directions to keep them in a cool place, away from direct sunlight or damp areas.
Opened canned food should be used up within 24 hours. If not finished, you can store it in the refrigerator for 10 – 12 hours. However, the safest option is to use it all up after opening the lid.
4 Is canned food good?
Some studies have shown that canned food may contain BPA, a chemical linked to health issues such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, they may contain some harmful bacteria, but the rate of contamination is extremely low.
Not all canned foods are the same. It is important to read the labels and ingredient lists so you can easily choose a safe product.
Canned food can be part of a healthy diet, but it is important to read labels and make appropriate choices.
Above are the details that help you better understand what canned food is, how to choose and preserve canned food safely. We hope this article provides you with useful information, making each family’s Tet holiday more complete and fulfilling!
