The metal can is an amazing work of food packaging. They are tough, long-lasting, and convenient. But how did we come to agree on the cylindrical shape of food cans? Nick Berry at Datagenetics (previously at Neatorama) takes a look at the many aspects of a simple design.
* The ratio of packaging materials to the volume of food.
* Structural integrity and strength.
* The ease of packing, stacking, shipping, and storing quantities of containers.
* Minimizing wasted space.
* The ease of manufacture.
* Usability for the consumer.
* Aesthetics.
Each of these aspects is studied, and since it is Datagenetics, there is some math involved. Who knew so much thought went into a can of soup? Still, everyone has something to complain about. My pet peeve is using my 1972 cook book that calls for 16-ounce cans of some ingredient and finding they are sold in 13- and 14-ounce sizes now. You’ll learn more than you ever thought you needed to know about food cans in this article. -Thanks, Nick!
We dish up more neat food posts at the Neatolicious blog
Since CB is similar to pastrami I have a sudden urge for a reuben. Haven't had
one in ages.
about Spam cans on The Straight Dope web site. Got a bunch of replies. Donno
if the Q was actually answered but one made a point about having to use a built in key to open the old Spam cans. Remember them?
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=17595434#post17595434
You can also buy a meat slicer just for Spam! Only $3.15. S&H is probably $29.92 GGGG Such a deal!
Speaking of food, while on the TSD site I found out why green olives are usually sold in jars while black olives are sold in cans.
Closest I've come to buying canned corned beef is corned beef hash which is different. Never seen the tapered CB cans. Will try and look for them.