In 1861 the American Civil War began. Marching armies and wounded soldiers had to be fed. Canned foods provided healthy meals for thousands.
Weary soldiers drew strength from canned pork and beans, oysters, stew, fruit and milk. Soldiers and sailors were grateful for Appert’s invention. But other people were too. Canned food saved a lot of time and trouble.
Before canning was invented, people had to preserve their own food. Families killed pigs and cows and salted the meat.
They also dried and smoked meat over a fire. Preserved meat hung from barn rafters. Some people rubbed the meat with pepper to keep away nibbling bats.
Canning not only saved work and time but it also provided a more interesting diet. Winter no longer meant just dried meat and fruit. People could choose from juicy peaches and savory stews.
Canned foods could travel across oceans and continents. In the midst of grassy prairies, far from oceans, families could feast on seafood. In cold regions, people could enjoy sweet pineapple from balmy lands.
For modern consumers, bottle and canned foods are a regular part of life. But they are important in emergencies too.
After hurricanes or floods, canned food quickly feed many people. Relief workers also send cans of healthful foods to people in poor nations.
The Demands For Cans Past and Present
