How long do home canned vegetables last?
 

I have shared home canned green beans with an elderly couple over the years. We are now going through their things and have found a few jars I'd canned as far back as 2006. She didn't cook the old ones first, just ate the first ones she found. Are the old ones still good? The seals on the jars are still intact and I know they were processed correctly. What you you all think? I wasn't able to get any beans this year, so if they are good, WE'll enjoy them!

Should be ok, I had some that my father gave me and they lasted forever it seemed. Smell and taste when you open them, you will be able to tell if they are still good; but they should be.

delma

It says online that store bought canned vegetables last 2-5 years beyond expiration date. Just wasn't sure about home canned ones.

I agree with looks, smell and then taste to determine if they are still good :) That's what I would do anyway.

Mom used to can, something different each year. I remember we would eat (for example) Peaches for several years even though she only canned them one year. Ditto for other stuff.

We kept our canned stock in the "fruit cellar" which was a sub-basement in the house. Always dark (no windows), always cool.

I would say as long as they were kept in a dark cool place and the seals are intact you should be OK!!

why would you taste them if there was a possibility they are bad? Doesn't take very much botulism to make you very sick.
I agree with "smell", then cook to boiling.

When in doubt, throw it out. Save the jars and can something else. A trip to the doctor (or worse) is much more expensive than some iffy vegetables.

back to 2006 - I would probably use them if they looked and smelled okay - and the lids had no rust on them and the seal was still good.

Ok thank y'all. I am too afraid to taste them, but I will smell them. I know not to use if seal is broken or if it's rusty. I always boil my canned things at least 10 minutes before we eat them.... I KNEW people on here would know what to do. Thank all of you!