Book 26, Question 60 · Video
How does a tin can keep food fresh for years?
In the early 1800s, a French confectioner named Nicolas Appert found that food sealed in jars and heated stayed good for a long time. Soon after, a British inventor made tin-coated steel cans. Heating kills the germs that make food spoil, and the sealed can keeps new germs out. The can opener was not invented until about 50 years later, so people used hammers and chisels.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does a tin can keep food fresh for years?
The Big Idea
Some canned food stays good for years! How does a can keep food fresh so long? Let's open the story.
Appert's Jars
Step one: Appert's Jars. In the early 1800s, a French confectioner named Nicolas Appert found that food sealed in jars and heated stayed good for a long time. It was a big discovery.
Tin Cans
Step two: Tin Cans. Soon after, a British inventor made tin-coated steel cans. Heating kills the germs that make food spoil, and the sealed can keeps new germs out.
Can Openers
Step three: Can Openers. The can opener was not invented until about 50 years later. So people used hammers and chisels to open cans.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Food goes in. The can is sealed. It is heated. Germs can't spoil it.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Early cans were so thick and heavy that they were hard to open. Opened with hammers. Heat kills germs. Can edges are sharp.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Look at the label on a can. Find the date. Talk with a grown-up about why the food lasts so long. What would happen if the can were dented or opened? Never touch the sharp edge of an open can.
Outro
A tin can keeps food fresh because heating kills germs and the sealed can keeps new ones out. Nicolas Appert discovered canning, and can openers came about 50 years later. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!