Healthy Meals With Canned Foods

PINE BLUFF — National Canned Food Month is recognized in February. March is time to test the versatility of healthy canned foods while cooking for the family, according to Teresa Henson, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff extension specialist and nutrition outreach coordinator.

“Canned foods can help provide the necessary nutrients listed in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-20 edition,” she said. “There are some canned foods you should avoid — first and foremost, steer clear of dented, rusted or scratched cans.”

In order to ensure freshness of canned food, Henson recommends that individuals pay attention to the following dates listed on the can:

• Sell-by date. This tells a store how long to keep the canned product on display for sale. Buy the product before this date to have enough time to use the food at its best quality.

• Best By date. This is the date recommended for the best flavor or quality.

• Use-by date This is the last date recommended for use of the product.

• Closed or coded dates. These are the packing numbers used by the manufacturer to rotate the stock and pinpoint the product in case of a recall.

Henson reminds individuals to check canned products regularly during visits to the pantry for signs of spoilage. Throw out canned foods that are cracked, leaking or bulging.

“Thanks to the convenience of canned foods, fruits and vegetables can always be ‘in season’ in your household,” Henson said.