February is National Canned Food Month and in order to celebrate we would like to share some information and tips surrounding all things canned food! Many myths and misconceptions about canned food exist, but they are great food options, especially as a convenient and nonperishable way to add extra fruits and vegetables onto your plate. In this blog post, we will provide information on the benefits of canned food along with some food safety tips to keep in mind.

Nutritional Benefits

Nutrition-wise, canned foods are very similar to fresh or frozen foods. Here are some tips and information about the nutritional benefits of canned foods:

● Canned fruits and vegetables are picked when they are in-season and at peak freshness. This means most of the food’s nutrients are preserved when canned.
● When possible, choose low-sodium canned foods. If there are no low-sodium options, rinse the foods in a colander to wash off some of the excess salt.
● Look for fruit canned in 100% juice or water instead of fruit canned in syrup to reduce the added sugar amount.
● It’s great to keep canned foods stocked in your pantry to help you create meals or boost the nutritional value of a recipe.

Financial and Convenient Benefits:
In addition to nutritional benefits, canned foods are a great low-cost option and are a quick choice when making a meal or adding to one. Here are more financial and convenient benefits:

● Canned food is budget-friendly and is often a cheaper alternative to buying fresh fruits or vegetables.
● They have a great shelf life, which means you can stock your pantry with your favorite canned foods and they can last for years. Make sure to check the “use by” date and throw away any expired items.
● Canned foods have been cooked beforehand. They are ready to eat after opening, making them very convenient.

—

Here are a few recipes that make good use of canned foods:

–Italian Bean Soup
–Salmon Patties
–Fruity Fun Chicken Salad Cups

Food Safety Tips:
Practicing proper food safety with canned foods is important. Below are a few tips to keep in mind:

● Make sure the cans are not busted, bulging or rusted.
● Store canned foods in a cool, dry place. They should not be exposed to extreme high or low temperatures.
● After opening, if you do not eat the entire can of food right away, keep the leftovers in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator. Do not keep leftovers in the can the food came in.

We hope these tips are helpful to you for incorporating canned foods into your meals.
Happy National Canned Food Month!