how long for canned food

I know the books say use canned items withing one year. My grandma and others around here have always told me 2 to 3 years if stored properly and seals still good. I had lots of string beans in 08 and just found 2 more cases in my pantry that I thought were empty jars but alas they are full of string beans/sealed tight/ beautiful color etc. I also canned too many potatoes in 09 and still have lots of them to use.

*So do you all can for more than the current year, how old of canned food would you use?

I've used things I canned in 2004 and they tasted great to me.

Thanks that makes me feel better about all these green beans.

The recommendations given in the canning guides is based on optimal food value for vitamins and such. The longer they are canned the more vitamins they lose, so it's not a question of the food being 'safe", but one of having the best quality.

Ive read canned salmon is good 5-8 years.Although It dosent last more than 2 years here.Thats the time between pink salmon runs .Ill catch enough in3 weeks to make 12-15 cases of yummy goodness.

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As long as it stays sealed and was processed correctly it will keep indefinately. Previous posters are correct in saying that vitamins deplete with time. Fats, carbs and protein will last much longer.

Keeping the jars in the ubiquitous cool, dark place will help keep food value longer; light, high heat and changes in heat ruin nutrients.

Can I have some?

Salmon and Tuna...Oh my they are so good!

Last year I found a case and half of green beans dated 07, I swear we ate them but there they were, We had no problem eating them. we've got some Green Tomato Chutney from the same year, not very apealing texture-wise so we've been using it in the slow cooker with Turkey breasts and Pork roast...adds great flavor!

My neighbor lady told me about an elder gentleman that would go door to door asking for 'outdated' home canned foods, he and his wife would eat the food and then return the jars...waste not, want not.

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