Should canned food be rinsed before cooking?
Economical, long-term storage… Essential for the pantry, cans save our lives many times. But before cooking them, it is better to put some food under water! We’ll explain which ones and why.
Cans, we have (almost) all of them in our kitchen cupboards. Convenient and economical, cans keep food longer and cook quickly when you’re short of inspiration. But you have to know how to use them before consuming them… And sometimes it takes a little rinsing with clear water!
Canned foods that should be rinsed off
This applies primarily to canned vegetables, for several reasons. This first encourages a reduction in their brine content. This liquid, in which the legume is immersed, extends its shelf life. It also contains a large amount of salt. Washing food upstream helps desalinate it. It is a habit to adopt when you have cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.
You should also take the time to wash vegetables or legumes to facilitate digestion and avoid bloating. Some of them, such as peas, corn, chickpeas, and beans, are composed of complex carbohydrates and sugars. These elements make the digestive process heavier and may cause flatulence.
What canned foods should not be washed?
Although it is strongly recommended to rinse canned vegetables and legumes, this rule does not apply to fruit. Indeed, the latter are immersed in a sweet liquid that helps preserve their taste. Rinsing them would almost alter their flavor.
How do I know if I need to rinse a canned food?
In general, it is a good idea to look at the can label when you buy it. It gives you the relevant information on how to cook them. This includes whether or not to rinse the component before heating, and details such as “sodium-free” for people who want to monitor their salt intake.
