Question
Does my stored food still have any nutritional value?
Answer(s)
Nutrients in food are affected by exposure to heat, light, and air. There are many nutrients to consider in stored foods. Following are some effects of storage on some nutrients:
· Calories - foods continue to provide needed energy over time
· Minerals - very little change in stored foods
· Carbohydrates - very little change in stored foods
· Proteins - change in reaction in recipe; for example old wheat flour will not rise, because the proteins are unable to form gluten
· Fats - oxidation (become rancid) creates off flavors and odors
· Vitamins - some loss over time; destroyed by heat, light, and oxidation. Storing and eating a variety of foods can assure adequate vitamin intake.
Rotate stored food within 2 to 3 years to maintain optimal nutritional value.
Other Questions In This Topic
- How much food should I store?
- All of the recipes I can find for canning green beans require a pressure canner. Is there a safe way to can green beans using a boiler canner?
- How much water should I store?
- how do I store fruits and vegetables?
- I grew up eating green beans which were pressure-canned at home. When my mother heated them for a meal, she brought them to a boil then removed the lid and let them boil for at least a minute with the lid off. She said this was necessary to be safe. Is it necessary or was that just something passed down from before pressure canning was available?
- I am trying to use flour that has been stores for about 30 years. It looks ok and tastes like flour but I have baked two loaves and they will not raise. they taste ok but how nutritional would they be?
- Can I use bay leaves or nails in my wheat to protect from insects?
- I have a question regarding commercially canned tomatoes. I have read on your website that the nutritional value of vegetables may not be maintained after the expiration date. I have heard somewhere that tomatoes are an exception, and there could be a problem with the tomatoes that would not be able to be detected, and that they should just be discarded at the expiration date for safety's sake. Is this true?