1. Food Quality: As Good as Fresh?
Canned food has the same quality as if it were fresh. Metal packaging ensures that the food is preserved in identical conditions.
The myth that canned foods are of lower quality than fresh ones has no foundation.
2. Can You Store an Opened Can in the Refrigerator?
Yes, you can store an opened can in the refrigerator.
Modern cans have internal coatings that prevent oxidation and metallic flavors. It’s only recommended to cover the can with plastic wrap.
3. What Does a Can Taste Like?
There’s a false myth that cans give a metallic taste to food.
In reality, cans are made of coated steel or aluminum, which prevents the food from having direct contact with metal or light. This ensures that its flavor, appearance, and quality remain intact.
4. What About BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) has been the subject of many headlines.
For it to have an adverse effect on our health, we would need to consume ridiculous amounts of canned food, as explained by pharmacist and science communicator Gemma del Caño. Even so, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has banned BPA in food packaging from January 2025, although in some countries the measure will be applied from 2028.
5. Historical Origin of Cans
Canned foods were born in a war context, when Napoleon needed to feed his troops.
Hermetic preservation was invented by the Frenchman Nicolas Appert, who did it in glass.
In 1810, Peter Durand patented the tin container. Current cans derive from both techniques.
6. The Evolution of Opening
Before, opening a can was an odyssey: rocks, knives, or bayonets were used on the battlefield.
The first can openers also required skill. Even opening a simple can of anchovies could be complicated.
Today, many cans have easy-open systems, even adapted for people with reduced mobility.
7. Do Cans Have Many Preservatives?
Another common myth is that canned foods contain too many preservatives.
In reality, most only contain oil, water, salt, or natural antioxidants like citrus.
The additives used—such as EDTA in legumes—are minimal and necessary to prevent alterations like darkening.
8. Do Canned Foods Lose Nutrients?
Many people believe that canned foods lose nutritional properties.
Del Caño clarifies that foods retain their nutrients, and canning even enhances some, like lycopene in the case of tomatoes.
The liquids in canned food cans that most of the liquids in canned food cans are not harmful to health.
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