Buying Canned Convenience Foods

When you can buy canned goods on sale and in appropriate sizes and quality for your family; you have utilized good economy.

A well-stocked food pantry can help a homemaker serve tasty, nutritious meals and yet have time for leisure activities.

Convenient canned foods offer variety and ease of preparation.

When you're buying canned foods, follow these pointers:

Check store ads and take advantage of sales on canned foods you serve often.

Select the size which suits your needs. Large sizes, which usually cost less, aren't a bargain if some of the food spoils before you use it.

Choose the quality you need. Top quality foods are fine when appearance is important. In a casserole or cobbler, lower priced foods are just as nutritious and tasty.

Read labels and compare prices. Unit pricing will help you do this. Labels also show the ingredients of combination foods in order of predominance.

Store your canned goods in an orderly way in a place that is warm, but not hot, and where they can't freeze. Canned goods have a long shelf life, but move older cans to the front so you can use them first.

Never use bloated or leaking cans. If you brought home a suspicious-looking can, return it to the store and it will be replaced.

For more information on buying canned convenience foods, contact your local county Extension office.