Canned or Frozen tomato sauce - Ask Extension
I have some canned tomato sauce from 2014 (maybe 6-7 quarts). I also have a freezer with probably 20 quarts of tomato sauce from this year (2016). Sho...
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Canned or Frozen tomato sauce #367637
Asked October 03, 2016, 8:20 PM EDT
I have some canned tomato sauce from 2014 (maybe 6-7 quarts). I also have a freezer with probably 20 quarts of tomato sauce from this year (2016). Should I use the 2016 frozen sauce first and then go for the canned, or use the 2014 canned sauce before using the 2016 frozen?
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
What a good question!
Generally foods are best quality for the first year or 2 they are canned. If they are stored somewhere, cool, dark, dry, they will stay good quality longer than if stored somewhere with fluctuating or warm temperatures.
However, how well are your frozen products packaged? If they are not extremely well packaged and sealed, they could dry out or take on flavors from other frozen foods during the next 6 months - year in the freezer. A manual-defrost freezer will keep them in better condition, longer. If you have a frost-free freezer, the quality deterioration is faster.
So there are several variables. The final decision would depend on storage conditions and packaging. Sorry to not have one good answer.
Generally foods are best quality for the first year or 2 they are canned. If they are stored somewhere, cool, dark, dry, they will stay good quality longer than if stored somewhere with fluctuating or warm temperatures.
However, how well are your frozen products packaged? If they are not extremely well packaged and sealed, they could dry out or take on flavors from other frozen foods during the next 6 months - year in the freezer. A manual-defrost freezer will keep them in better condition, longer. If you have a frost-free freezer, the quality deterioration is faster.
So there are several variables. The final decision would depend on storage conditions and packaging. Sorry to not have one good answer.
