How long will Canned Food items remain good/edible?!
I can't recall when I purchased them but it would have been after Summer 2005. Contacting the company to ask them this question would be a waste of time; the customer service rep would tell me to throw them out and purchase new cans of sauce (so the firm will make more money). (I'm basing the above on a previous experience of mine).
But, from your experience, for how long will enchilada sauce in a can remain good/edible? The expiration dates are not on the cans. I was going to use the aforementioned cans in my chilequilas but am waiting on answers before using or chucking them.
Thanks!
Answers:
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Cans will remain good for decades, but they must be well looked after and cared for. They are best kept in a cool dry place with no dents or signs of rust.
The only time I have ever come across a 'bad' one I saw as soon as I removed the lid. There was a stain about an inch long next to the can, and when I poured out the contents the stain went down about 2/3 of the edge and the can itself looked stained as well.
The main thing is to rotate your cans so you are using up the older ones first. (those you will use most often)
I keep those odd ones that I may have bought for a recipe that was never made separately and keep them together in case I see something that will make me say mmm try that.
I never just chuck them out because there is no date without checking them.
Most food will be labeled with batch numbers and most companies will tell you when it was made, and leave you to decide if you will use or not.
If it is a tomato based sauce in a can, rather than a bottle I would be extra careful as the acid in the tomatoes could affect the tinning process.
The only worry about expired canned food is the loss of some flavor. If the can is not bulged, rusted or damaged, the product should be fine. But use it ASAP, and for future reference, check for dates and mark the can with your purchase date if there is none.
Canned food has a shelf life of at least two years from the date of processing.
the only way to tell would be to open it and TASTE it!