Canned Sardines
Thoughts on how long after the "best by" date canned sardines in olive oil might still be good? I know that the date is not hard and fast, and that even food banks now take food after the date, but wondering how long might be OK for this type of product. Thanks!
9 Comments
creamteaJune 30, 2015
Believe it or not, aged tinned sardines have been considered a delicacy. There was once a Gourmet Magazine article about this. And Fairway sells vintage (French) tinned sardines at a price...
cookbookchickJune 30, 2015
See my comment above, Creamtea, with the link to the Harold McGee article on just that topic.
creamteaJune 30, 2015
I recently bought a couple of packages of Ortiz "Reserva de Familia" Bonito del Norte, with the date 2009 prominently displayed. I'm going to try to hold on to them...
MicheleJune 26, 2015
If you open them and they smell fine and are of the same quality you would expect (as opposed to disintegrating) then I think they are going to be fine.
PatriciaJune 26, 2015
If they still smell fine, but you're nervous, I'm sure your dog will love them! And the oil is good for his/her coat.
EmilyCJune 26, 2015
My gut instinct is that they'll probably be fine six months after the "best by" date -- maybe up to a year. You'll probably know as soon as you open, smell and taste them if they're off. Report back! I'm pretty sure I have some old sardines and anchovies in my pantry as well! : )
healthierkitchenJune 29, 2015
I suspect they are safe even though two years past best by date, but might not be as firm?
cookbookchickJune 26, 2015
I have several old (old!) cans of sardines in my pantry, too, so I'd like to see what our cooking comrades have to say about your question, Wendy. Meantime, here's an interesting article by cooking scientist, Harold McGee: http://www.slate.com/articles...
healthierkitchenJune 29, 2015
From this piece, it sounds like they are safe, just might be softer and more disintegrated. This tin is dated 2013!
Showing 9 out of 9 Comments
Recommended by Food52
Popular on Food52
Continue After Advertisement