When You Can't Find Plastic Free Fresh or Frozen ... Look to Cans

I thought we would give canned food a go during January as an alternative to plastic-wrapped fresh or frozen. I think they have a bit of an old-school feel and are not very fashionable.  However, I feel "the can" is making a comeback, especially as food waste is so topical and canned food has a very long shelf-life.  I took time to look down the canned isle in the supermarket to see what was on offer and was pleasantly surprised at the choice.   

The canned fruit is great in syrup or juice (for a healthier option) and the soft fruits in particular: peaches, apricots and pears taste great and for me have an element of childhood nostalgia about them.  

The spinach was also good and the best thing is there is no rush to use it to avoid the inevitable green sludge at the bottom of a bag of fresh spinach at the back of the fridge.  

The peas however were disappointing.  They looked so fresh and green on the picture on the can, but they were actually dull in colour and are not as crunchy or sweet.  They work OK mixed with other foods, but are not so good as a green on the side.   

As we slowly reduce our meat consumption we are also looking more into canned beans and chickpeas.  We now have quite a cupboard full of cans ready to go.