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It is best to use home canned tomatoes within a year for best quality and taste. Then use in your recipes and enjoy!
- Each time you open a jar check for proper seal and listen for breaking of that seal when opened. Heat at least 10 minutes for safety sake.
USDA states that high-acid products such as tomatoes and other fruits will keep their best quality for up to 18 months. Unopened! More information here
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RED GOLD
I use this brand a lot because they are non-GMO and have no artificial flavors, MSG, colors, or preservatives. Non-BPA-lined cans are a plus as well. They are made in the USA in Indiana, Ohio, and MichiganI love that it is a family business that has been in operation for over 80 years.
Because it can alert you of a defect, the can is probably the safest container on the planet.
RED GOLD TOMATO INFORMATION
The following information is about canned tomato products only. Tomato products are a high-acid food. Understanding food expiration dates is an important part of food safety and quality. Knowing how to read the dates can help you make informed decisions about your canned food products and will keep you and your family safe from potential food-borne illnesses.
What to Know Before Eating Expired Canned Tomato Products
Does the can have an expiration date or a sell-by, use-by, or best-by date?
- Sell-by dates indicate when a product should be pulled from store shelves.
- Use-by dates tell the consumer when food is no longer safe to consume.
- Best-by or 'best before dates' are guarantees that the product will have the best quality if used by that date.
Red Gold says generally speaking an unopened can have a shelf life of about three years.
Check the condition of the can. Is it rusty or dented?
- Shallow dents in the side of the can are generally safe.
- Dents in the seam or rim on either end of the can may have broken the hermetic seal and are not safe. These types of dents can allow bacteria to enter the can and they also have the propensity to leak.
- If the can is swollen or leaking, definitely discard it, regardless of the date on the can.
Because it can alert you of a defect, the can is probably the safest container on the planet.
Be prudent. A really good-looking can of tomatoes, not swollen, leaking, dented, or rusted, that is a few months past its date, is more than likely okay. But if the can is years past its date, toss it out and purchase a new one.
**Red Gold has no preservatives and once opened should be stored in the refrigerator in storage containers for no more than 7 days.
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CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
Kimberly Baker, Food Systems and Safety Program Team director at Clemson University's Applied Technology Center says, 'Sell-by, use-by, and best-by dates generally indicate when a food item will be at its peak quality. Manufactured canned goods are still safe to eat after that time."
There is a catch, however, Baker says, "The further you get from the expiration date, the more the quality of the product may be lost." So although you can still eat it the color, taste, and texture might be affected.
There is a catch, however, Baker says, "The further you get from the expiration date, the more the quality of the product may be lost." So although you can still eat it the color, taste, and texture might be affected.
There are exceptions, though. Baker is quick to point out that if the can is dented, especially along the seam, or shows any sign of bulging or rust, it could be a sign of spoiling or botulism, which is a deadly bacteria.
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SOUTHERN LIVING Are Dented Cans Safe to Use? A very informative article.
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CENTO
I use this brand as well. Good quality and taste. The whole can be mashed and used in many recipes. They are delicious! I first heard about this brand from Lidia of Lidia's Kitchen. She uses them a lot.
Cento uses best-before-labeling dates for your information. If you have or see no date you can contact them here to find out if your product is safe.
Storage of Cento once opened: Refrigerate for 4 -6 Days or Freeze for up to 3 months.
One of my favorite things is the Cento Tomato Paste. You can store it in the fridge when opened. It takes up little space and is good for a very long time, making it inexpensive, handy, and very delicious!
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Some sources say you can store high-acid foods such as tomatoes indefinitely, But I would be wary of that information! I would use good judgment by checking the cans thoroughly for dents, leakage, etc. Open and check the inside to make sure the can doesn't have any spots etc. If in doubt throw it out!
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My Thoughts
I've learned quite a bit from this little research and am sure more will be learned. I'll update if other important information needs to be noted.
One important thing is if the top, bottom, or rim of a can is dented Throw Away Immediately! These types of dents break the seal and could cause botulism!
What started as a quick informational post has become longer but I hope it helps you as well.
Have a Great Week!
I'm working on a post about a concert the girls and I went to
I am excited to share it with you!
Disclosure: The information shared in this post is noted in the sources for information only.
Hibiscus House was not paid for any products shared or information contained,
as stated above all information has the source noted/linked.
My likes or opinions are stated as mine and are my own.
My likes or opinions are stated as mine and are my own.
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