As a Prepper, we Rotate Canned Foods as it is essential to have a well-stocked pantry that includes canned goods for long-term food storage. Rotating canned foods is an important part of this process, as it ensures that the oldest items are eaten first and that the food remains fresh and safe to consume. This is especially significant because canned foods have a limited shelf life and can quickly become spoiled if not properly rotated.
To ensure that your canned goods are rotated properly, it is essential to keep track of the expiration dates and to make sure that the oldest items are consumed first. Additionally, it is critical to check the cans for any signs of damage or spoilage before consuming them. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your canned goods remain fresh and safe to consume for as long as possible. Here’s how to Rotate Canned Foods as a prepper.
Rotate Canned Foods
Keep in mind, that the “Best Buy” date is not necessarily the expiration date. Most canned goods can last at least five years past the best buy date, but could last even longer if kept in a cool, dry place. The Best Buy date is when the manufacturer guarantees the taste and quality of the foods inside.
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Buy what you eat: If you don’t normally buy canned salmon, don’t buy it now. Buy and rotate canned foods you actually eat. Otherwise, you will be wasting food when you don’t eat the foods you normally buy.
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Label your canned goods: Label your canned goods with the date that you purchased them, and place the newest items at the back of your pantry. This will help you to monitor when the cans were purchased and when they need to be used.
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Use first in, first out (FIFO): Use the “first in, first out” method when rotating your canned goods. This means that you should use the oldest cans first and move the newer ones to the back of your pantry.
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Keep track of expiration dates: Check the expiration dates on your canned goods, and make sure to use items that are about to expire first. This will help you avoid having any cans go bad and wasting food.
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Store in a cool, dry place: Store your canned goods in a cool, dry place to ensure that they last as long as possible. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the cans to become damaged and the food inside to spoil.
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Check for damage: Regularly check your canned goods for damage, such as dents, rust, or swelling. If you find a can that is damaged, do not use it, as this can cause the food inside to become contaminated.
By rotating your canned goods and using the FIFO method, you can ensure that your pantry remains well-stocked and that you are eating the oldest items first. This will help you avoid waste and keep your food supplies fresh and usable. You can supplement your stockpile with food you make yourself, or dried goods, including jerky or freeze-dried foods.
Botulism Warning
WARNING: The typical source of foodborne botulism is homemade food that is improperly canned or preserved. These foods are typically fruits, vegetables, and fish. Other foods, such as spicy peppers (chilies), foil-wrapped baked potatoes, and oil infused with garlic, may also be sources of botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. Symptoms of botulism usually start with weakness of the muscles that control the eyes, face, mouth, and throat. This weakness may spread to the neck, arms, torso, and legs (Source).
