Canned foods are usually stored at room temperature. But there are times when you like to refrigerate them.
So, can you refrigerate canned food?
Refrigerating canned food is fine, but there are things you need to take into consideration. One of the most important things to remember is that you should not over refrigerate canned foods because they could potentially explode.
The cold temperature can cause the can to expand.
Thus, it’s important that you don’t refrigerate canned food that is already cold.
Is it safe to store opened canned food in the fridge?
I do not recommend storing opened canned food in the fridge.
The main reason is that rust can develop pretty quickly on the can which will contaminate the food.
If you want to refrigerate canned food after is has been opened, make sure to transfer it to a container that is safe to be refrigerated.
How long can you keep canned fruit in the refrigerator?
Canned fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for an extended period of time.
Canned fruits such as apples, pears, and pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
However, canned fruit that is high in acid, such as peaches, apricots, plums, and cherries, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Those that have lower acid content, such as bananas, blueberries, and fruit cocktails, can be stored for up to three days.
Also, canned fruit that has a syrup or heavy sugar content, such as fruit cocktails, peaches, pears, and fruit juice, can be stored for up to two days.
Before you refrigerate canned fruits, make sure to check the ingredients and see if they can be refrigerated.
Can you put unopened canned fruit in the fridge?
Unopened canned fruit can be refrigerated for short periods of time. As mentioned, canned fruits should not be refrigerated for a long period of time.
Canned fruits that are unopened can last for up to 3 years in the pantry and 1 year if refrigerated.
This means that you do not need to refrigerate them unless the situation calls it.
Canned fruits are very versatile and are used in many recipes to make delicious items such as pies, crisps, and cobblers.
They are preserved by canning methods which include storing it in a can of water, canning fruit in its own juices or syrup, and vacuum sealing.
How long does canned fruit last once opened?
Opened canned fruit can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator, depending on how quickly you go through it.
Canned fruit is perishable, but if stored properly after opening it can last a few days, as long as it is not exposed to air.
The shelf life of fruit varies depending on the package and the storage method (for example canned or jarred fruit), as well as the type of fruit.
Can you refrigerate unopened canned tuna?
Canned tuna is usually not kept in the refrigerator because it can spoil quickly. However, you can refrigerate it for a short period of time.
It can stay good in the pantry for years, but it is not recommended to keep canned tuna that long.
Canned tuna is safe to eat as long as it is not bulging, rusty, or damaged.
The oil in the fish serves as the main preservative making it last longer without becoming spoiled.
Canned tuna is perfectly safe to store in the pantry or cabinet without going bad, but it may start to lose flavor and quality over time.
It usually tastes best within one year of storage, but it is perfectly safe to eat even after several years.
But I recommend always checking the expiration date before you eat your canned tuna especially if it has been stored for a considerable amount of time.
Can you refrigerate canned sardines?
Technically, canned sardines need not to be refrigerated. It can be stored in the pantry instead.
Canned food in general has a fairly long shelf life without the need for refrigeration.
Canned sardines are packed in either olive or soybean oil, which both contain natural antioxidants that help retain freshness.
Canned sardines can be stored for years without spoilage as long as the can remains in good condition and the oil has not turned rancid due to exposure to air.
Canned sardines can be stored for years without spoilage.
Final Thoughts
In summary, canned foods can be refrigerated. However, it is not often recommended.
Canned foods are designed to last long at room temperature. Refrigerating them may only cause some issues.
But if you want to refrigerate your canned foods, just make sure that you do not leave them in the fridge for too long.
Consume them before they develop some issues.
I hope this helps. Thank you for reading.
Learn more about refrigerating foods here.
