The Arbitrary Reason Some Canned Goods Have Really Specific Weights

When perusing the groceries section next time, pay careful attention to the listed weights on canned goods. A consumer with a watchful eye recently pointed out on an internet forum that certain canned goods possess non-standard weights such as 14 ½ ounces, instead of rounded figures. The peculiar weight convention is considered "arbitrary" by a forum contributor. They reference a 1916 publication, stating that can manufacturers would cut large plates of tin to produce a distinct number of cans, which led to the current standard system. The book's writer, Arvill Wayne Bitting, noted the absence of the logical alternative of adjusting the tin plate size to provide cans of particular capacity. Another contributor suggests that manufacturers might have adhered to certain tin plate sizes because of the machinery used or other factors like transport vehicle dimensions.

In terms of cooking, converting canned food sizes in traditional recipes demanding can sizes instead of ingredient measurements can become a pleasurable challenge. It's essential to ascertain the can size equivalent when modifying the recipe. Interestingly, many cans bear three-digit numbers indicating the can's diameter and height. The initial digit shows inches, while the succeeding ones refer to sixteenths of an inch. Therefore, a #303 labeled can is three inches wide and three sixteenths of an inch tall. Although this does tell us something about the can dimensions, it contributes little to ingredient quantity conversion. Thankfully, there are useful conversion charts available, for instance, from the . For a #303 can, count on a volume of 2 cups and a weight varying between 15 and 17 ounces.

What advantages do canned foods present? One clear advantage, irrespective of weight, is their long shelf-life. As per the , depending upon the food type, canned goods can last for years. Low acidity canned vegetables and meats typically last 2 to 5 years. High acidity foods like canned tomatoes can last up to 18 months. Of course, these durations are dependent upon correct storage—in a dry area, free from high temperatures. Though it's commonly believed that canned foods lack the nutrition of their fresh counterparts, viable sources claim this to be untrue. According to nutritional research, canned foods retain vital vitamins and nutrients, despite the heat treatment process that may lessen vitamins B and C levels. Some foods may have increased nutritional value due to canning. An example is , as the potent antioxidant increases post-canning. Therefore, despite their seemingly odd sizes and weights, the health benefits certainly make canned foods a reasonable choice.