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Canned tomatoes are very popular in many homes and it is no wonder why lots of people wonder if they can go bad. Whether you are making a nice pot of tomato soup for the cold weather or you are in the mood for a delightful plate of pasta arrabbiata, canned tomatoes are perfect for many recipes.
Canned tomatoes are budget-friendly and sometimes we get carried away and stock up on so many of them. And at the end we find ourselves wondering if we can make do with all of them in time hence the question do canned tomatoes go bad?
Quick answer: Yes, canned tomatoes can go bad only if there is a problem with the can, for instance, if the canned tomato is rusted, dented, or bloated. However, when canned tomatoes are kept in good shape or condition, they remain safe and good for consumption for as long as you want.
There are a lot of reasons to love canned tomatoes, it offers a lot of nice flavors to our recipes as well as the fact that they are very versatile and come in very handy in the kitchen. In this article, you will find answers concerning canned tomatoes, stick around.
Are Canned Tomatoes Healthy?
So you want to prepare a hearty meal with canned tomatoes but you are not sure if using canned tomatoes is a good or healthy idea. Well, we can not deny the fact that canned tomatoes contain a high amount of sodium, which can be toxic to health if consumed excessively.
It may also consist of additives which may cause a series of doubts in the minds of people. But notwithstanding canned tomato also contains as many antioxidants as fresh tomatoes and even higher lycopene which is pretty great.
Canned tomatoes also have a vast number of benefits that is advantageous to health.
Canned tomatoes are budget friendly and you don’t have to worry about them going bad within a short period, they are a perfect substitute for fresh tomatoes but they can’t exactly fit in for all tomato-based recipes.
How Long do Canned Tomatoes Last?
Canned tomatoes are convenient food alternatives but due to being high-acid foods, they will keep their high quality for 18 months, unlike low-acid foods that can last 2 to 5 years. Also, the quality of canned tomatoes will remain in top state if it is stored properly and the can is in good condition, there is no swelling, dents, or rust.
There is a high chance that canned tomatoes that have passed their expiry date will still be safe to eat within a year provided it is refrigerated properly. Regardless, canned tomatoes are best consumed within a year.
Best Ways To Store Opened Canned Tomatoes
It is a terrible idea to leave canned tomatoes that are exposed to air to sit at room temperature for too long as this can cause them to go bad.
This is because once unsealed, the canned tomatoes are exposed to illness-causing germs, which can further lead to mold growth. To prevent this from happening adopt the following ways to store opened canned tomatoes to keep them safe from immediate spoilage;
1. Store In The Refrigerator
The refrigerator can keep opened canned tomatoes safe for days before you finally decide to use them. It is best to store the canned tomato in an airtight container or ziplock bag to protect the canned tomatoes from bacteria or moisture loss.
For best results store them not longer than 3-5 days in the fridge as this is the maximum duration the fridge can preserve the canned tomatoes. If you wish to preserve them much longer you should try the next method.
2. Store In The Freezer
The freezer is the best place to keep your unsealed canned tomato if you intend to preserve it much longer than how long the fridge can preserve them.
Always ensure to transfer the canned tomato into freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent the tomatoes from getting freezer burnt. Freezing canned tomatoes can keep them safe for as long as 3-6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are canned tomatoes safe after the expiration date?
Yes, canned tomatoes that have exceeded their expiration dates are safe for consumption and would cause harm to your health. A lot of research done shows that canned foods that are intact in their cans and stored in the best conditions are microbiologically safe even after a hundred years.
How can I tell if canned tomatoes are bad?
If you want to tell if a canned tomato is bad, start by checking the can to ensure that it is in good condition, if it is rusted or dented it is definitely bad and not safe to eat them. Another way to tell is by smelling it, a bad canned tomato has an off smell and also an unpleasant taste. Checking the expiration date is not a way to tell if it has gone bad.
How long after the expiration date is canned tomato sauce good?
According to USDA, canned tomato sauce would last years even after it must have expired. However, the taste will not remain as great as when it was not due for expiry. The longer the canned tomatoes stay after expiring the lesser the quality.
Is it OK to eat expired canned food?
Yes, it is perfectly safe and okay to eat canned food that has expired. The only downside with doing this is that you might not enjoy eating it as the taste and texture have become optimal.
Bottom Line
Canned tomatoes will only go bad if the can is dented, or rusted, and this is why it is recommended to always examine the canned tomatoes properly before purchasing them. Once the canned tomatoes are kept in “great shape” be sure to know that they can last almost forever or indefinitely.
There is absolutely no harm in consuming canned tomatoes that is way past their “best by” or expiration dates, although the quality of their taste and texture may not be as perfect as it once was.
That being said, make sure to discard canned tomatoes that are swollen, dented, or rusted as it could be very dangerous to go ahead and consume them.
More from this series:
- Do Canned Baked Beans Go Bad?
- Do Canned Biscuits Go Bad? (What to Know)
- Does Canned Pineapple Go Bad? What to Know
- Do Canned Ravioli Go Bad? (NEW ANSWER)
