Tips for Storing Canned Food

Safely store canned food with these tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Home canning is an affordable and practical way to preserve all your hard work in the garden. While there are certain steps you have to take when you’re canning food, there are also safety precautions when it comes to storing the canned food.

With these tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can safely store your canned food and enjoy it for months to come.

Keep Out of Sunlight

The sun can actually affect food quality, color, and flavor. It’s important to keep home-canned food in a dark and enclosed area with no windows

You want a spot where sunlight can’t reach. A storage room or pantry is a great option.

Use the Right Space

Storing canned food in the right space is very important. In addition to not having sunlight, you need to find a space in your home that’s out of direct heat. It should be both dry and cool.

A root cellar or cool, dry basement is the ideal spot for storing canned food. If you don’t have those options, there are still plenty of spaces within the home to store your canning jars.

A hall closet, far kitchen cabinet, and hallway shelves are all acceptable places. Just make sure they’re not reached by sunlight and heat.

Store at the Right Temperature

Canned food needs to be stored somewhere the temperature will stay between 50° and 70° Fahrenheit. Anything warmer can cause food to spoil. And freezing temperatures can cause the jars to break.

If you plan on freezer canning food, you need to use freezer jars or plastic. You also need to follow specific freezer canning recipes.

It’s also important to make sure the storage area is dry. Damp areas can cause the jar lids and bands to rust, as well as damage the jar’s seal.

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we understand that there’s nothing more satisfying than growing and preserving your own fruits and vegetables. That’s why we carry everything you need to start home canning. From pressure canners, to mason jars, to pectin, you can preserve and create your own home-canned recipes.

For more tips and how-tos, visit our Canning Blog.