National Canning Day celebrates the art and science of food preservation through canning. This special day honors the method of preserving food by processing and sealing it in airtight containers, allowing food to remain safe and nutritious for extended periods.
Quick Facts
When is it: October 23rd
Tagged as: Food Preservation Day
What’s the hashtag: #NationalCanningDay
When was founded: 1809
Who founded it: Inspired by Napoleon’s food preservation challenge
History
The origins of canning trace back to Napoleon’s era when the French government offered 12,000 francs to anyone who could develop a reliable food preservation method. Nicolas Appert, a French confectioner, discovered that food cooked and sealed in jars remained unspoiled, revolutionizing food preservation. This discovery led to modern canning practices and eventually inspired National Canning Day.
Timeline
1795: Napoleon offers preservation reward
1809: Nicolas Appert wins the prize
1810: Peter Durand invents tin canisters
1812: First American cannery opens
1858: Mason jar patent
1943: Peak of home canning in the US
1988: USDA publishes Complete Guide to Home Canning
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October | 23 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August | 1 | Friday |
| 2026 | October | 23 | Friday |
| 2026 | August | 1 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October | 23 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August | 1 | Sunday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by canning seasonal produce, sharing recipes, hosting canning parties, and learning new preservation techniques. Many communities organize workshops and demonstrations to teach safe canning practices.
Fun Facts About Canning
- Properly canned foods can remain edible for over 30 years
- Early canning was considered a status symbol
- Canned foods often retain more nutrients than other preservation methods
- The largest botulism outbreak from home canning occurred in 1977
- World War II sparked the peak of home canning in America
Quiz
- Who discovered the canning process?
- What year was the first American cannery opened?
- What invention revolutionized home canning in 1858?
(Answers: 1. Nicolas Appert, 2. 1812, 3. The Mason jar)
FAQs
- Do I need to sterilize jars before canning?
- How long does canned food last?
- What foods require pressure canning?
- Can I reuse canning lids?
- Is home canning safe?
Related Celebrations
- International Can-It-Forward Day
- National Food Preservation Day
- World Food Safety Day
- National Pickling Day
- Home Food Preservation Month