A basic tenet of prepping is conserving food, which includes high pressure canning of food stuffs. Done carefully, the result should be edible food for a long period of time. But, even with care it is possible to have a can not take well to the process.
It’s important to examine your cans, because if bacteria has entered it can prove deadly. Botulism, in particular kills those that ingest it. And, the bacteria is not killed by heat. So, for the sake of those for whom the cans are intended be vigilant and check the seals. They should make a very notable popping noise as they cool. If that noise is lacking the sealing process did not take. A properly sealed lid is concave, neither flat, or convex. Use a utensil to tap the can. A dull sound is negative. A lid that comes back when pushed in, is also not good. A glass jar that opens without popping is never good. Dispose of the contents.
Obviously, leaks, rust, mold, stink, any of these things is a prime indicator of ‘bad’ contents. Sometimes, however a product that is not bad can have some cloudiness. Try boiling the contents for at least ten minutes and taste them. Freezing temperatures can ruin the seals of cans. So, it’s best to avoid frozen cans. Pickles are often a decent choice, because the acid kills bacteria. But, don’t be cavalier. Anything that seems off should probably go.
Key Takeaways:
- High pressure canning lids emit a popping sound when they cool and when they are opened, which eaters should listen for.
- If there is no popping sound then the process did not take and the can is not sealed properly and the food could be spoiled.
- Botulism, which is lethal to those that ingest it, is caused by a bacteria that is not destroyed even by heat, which means that a poorly sealed can should be tossed.
“When you take a can or jar of food out of your pantry, take a second to inspect it. The jar should be in really good shape. Dents at either end of the can, bulges, cracks, rusts, or leaks, indicate a problem and the food inside should be disposed of.”
Read more: http://msprepper.com/food/how-to-know-if-your-old-canned-food-is-safe-to-eat/