How Long Can You Keep an Open Can in the Fridge?
Used half a can of tomato paste and wondering if you can store the rest in the fridge? And for how long?
We've all been there. You open a can of crushed tomatoes or peas, use what you need for your dish, and are left with an open, half-full can. What should you do now? Should you cover the can and keep it in the fridge? Transfer the contents to a plastic container? Or should you just toss it out?
In the past, it was advised not to refrigerate open cans due to potential chemical reactions between the metal and the food. Today, according to the FDA, you don't have to transfer the can's contents to a reusable plastic container; you can store the can in the fridge as is.
However, while it's allowed, it still isn't recommended. Although the metal-food contact isn't dangerous for health, it can impact the food's taste. Thus, the best advice is to transfer the canned food to a reusable container and keep it refrigerated.
How long can you keep an open can in the fridge?
According to a report on News 12, it depends on the acidity. More acidic cans, like tomato products, pickles, or sauerkraut, can last 5-7 days in the fridge (in the original can or a plastic container). Other canned goods, which lack acidity for protection, like corn, tuna, or peas and carrots, should only be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge.
