Science explains why you should never leave an open can in the fridge – Teach me about Science

2023-06-16 23:54:28

Why you shouldn’t leave an open can in the fridge.

When we open a can of food and do not consume all of its contents immediately, the question of whether it is safe to store in the refrigerator can arise. However, placing opened cans directly in the refrigerator can have unintended consequences. If you want to know what happens when open cans are stored in the fridge and why it is better to follow some storage recommendations, then keep reading.

smells and flavors

For starters, if you store an open can right in the fridge, its contents are likely to absorb odors from other foods in the fridge. This can change the taste of the contents of the can and make it less pleasant to eat. It is preferable to remove the content and place it in an airtight container, so as not to damage the surrounding food or the food inside the can.

Cross contamination

Another important reason not to leave open cans in the refrigerator is because they can become contaminated with bacteria from the environment. This is because the sharp edges of the can can allow bacteria to enter the contents. To avoid contamination, it is best to transfer the contents of the can to a suitable container and close it tightly before storing in the refrigerator.

can damage

On the other hand, if you leave an open can in the fridge, it’s more likely to quickly rust in the open area. This can damage the can and affect the quality of the contents. It could even be dangerous to your health if you eat something that has oxidized. Therefore, it is best to transfer the contents of the can to another container before storing it in the refrigerator.

How to Store Canned Food Properly Once Open

To ensure that food is safe and stays fresh, it is best to transfer the contents of opened cans to secure, airtight containers before storing in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the freshness of food, reduces the risk of cross-contamination, and prevents unwanted odors and flavors from transferring to other foods.

And what happens when you keep hot food in the fridge?

As with cans, the contents of the refrigerator can also be disturbed if hot food is introduced. This normally happens when you put something hot in the refrigerator, the surrounding temperature also increases, causing an imbalance in the products that are being refrigerated. No matter the capacity of the refrigerator, the surrounding food will be affected. Unbalancing the temperature inside the refrigerator can be a reason for an acceleration in the decomposition of the products that are there.

In addition, the temperature shock could create condensation inside the refrigerator, which means that the wall could generate ice and, in turn, unbalance the state of the food and damage its state due to the additional humidity.

Share science, share knowledge.