Tin Can Day is celebrated on January 19 every year. The day is dedicated to the humble tin can that preserves favourite food items. It would have been challenging to store and preserve food without tin cans. The great thing about canned food is that it is easy for people from all backgrounds to get it. Over the years, several countries worldwide have contributed to the evolution of tin cans. The use of this storage item for over a century is proof of its worth. It certainly deserved to be celebrated!
History of Tin Can Day
The history of the Tin Can Day holiday is unknown but the story behind the invention of tin cans is fascinating. Several people deserved credit for this revolutionary idea of storing food.
Northumbrian developer Bryan Donkin was the first to establish a commercial canning factory. While Peter Durand received the first patent for tin cans. Before them, Nicolas Appert was known as the ‘father of canning’ after he came up with the method of sterilization to store food for Napoleon’s army at war.
Moreover, Durand introduced tin-pated steel cans in the U.S. in 1818 and they have been popular ever since. In 1819, Ezra Daggett and Thomas Kensett Sr. of England began canning food items such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and oysters, in New York.
As tin cans were initially thick and were difficult to open, so for a decade, people used tools like rocks, bayonets, or hammers and chisels.
Tin cans were initially thick and lacked an easy way to open them, so for decades, people used tools like rocks, bayonets, hammers and chisels. In 1858, Ezra Warner invented the first can opener which was used by the U.S. military during the Civil War.
At first, it was invented as a tool to preserve food supplies for soldiers at war. But now it has become a staple container in kitchen cupboards, refrigerators, and pantries. The tin has become popular among people to preserve food as it is a portable and affordable product filled with easy-to-cook delicacies.
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Timeline of Tin Can Day
| 1810 (First Tin Can) | British merchant Peter Durand receives the original patent for the idea of using tin cans to preserve food. |
| 1813 (Establishment of the Canning Industry) | Bryan Donkin and John Hall set up the first commercial canning factory in England. |
| 1858 (First Can Opener) | Ezra Warner of Waterbury, Connecticut, received the patent for the first can opener. |
| 1870 (The invention of the Modern Design) | William Lyman invented the modern design of a can opener with a wheel that cuts around the rim of a can. |
6 Interesting Facts About Tin Cans
Tin Cans Aren’t Made of Tin: Though it is called Tin Can they are not made of tin. They are manufactured using steel coated with a thin layer of tin to prevent corrosion. Pure tin cans were more expensive and susceptible to a problem called “tin pest” where the metal turns into a brittle powder at cold temperatures
Tin Cans Were Invented in 1810: In 1810 Frenchman Philippe de Girard invented the tin canning method patented by British merchant Peter Durand. The idea was inspired by the experimental food preservation work by French inventor Nicolas Appert. Durand sold the patent to Englishmen Bryan Donkin and John Hall who founded the first commercial canning factory in London.
The wow factor: Around 50 – 75% of tin cans are recycled each year, making them the world’s most recycled packaging product.
Tin Cans Helped Prevent Lead Poisoning: Early tin cans were sealed with a tin-lead alloy which could result in lead poisoning. During Sir John Franklin’s 1845 Arctic expedition, crew members experienced lead poisoning likely caused by eating tin canned food. The creation of tin cans aided in preventing lead poisoning by giving a safer alternative to lead-sealed containers.
Ever heard of a tin crying?: ‘Tin cry’ refers to that distinct whining sound produced when a piece of tin is bent causing the tiny crystals of the metal to graze each other.
Tin is Relatively Rare: Tin is a relatively rare element, constituting about 2 parts per million of the Earth’s crust and is the 49th most common element in the Earth’s crust. Most of the world’s tin is sourced from placer deposits, with over half coming from Southeast Asia.
Frequently Ask Question
Who invented the tin can?
The concept of the tin can was patented by Peter Durand, while Bryan Donkin established the first commercial canning factory.
Is canned food healthy?
Yes, canned food can be as nutritious as fresh food, though the canning process may reduce some water-soluble vitamins. However, it preserves many nutrients and increases antioxidant content.
How long can I store canned food?
Canned meat and seafood can last up to three years, while high-acid foods like pickles and tomatoes should be consumed within two years.
Can I reprocess food after opening a can?
Yes, you can reprocess food within 24 hours of opening, provided the sealing surface is intact.
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