February is canned foods month and while some people have preconceived notions around canned foods, a University of Illinois Extension Nutrition Educator is hoping folks will give it another try.

Home canning has become very popular again but Caitlin Mellendorf is also promoting commercially canned foods. She says a lot of people have some long-standing presumptions around canned goods in grocery stores, she points things have improved a great deal in regards to commercially canned goods.

In-season, fresh fruits and vegetables can be hard to find from November to March and Mellendorf believes canned foods are a great supplement when you can't find those items in the store.

According to Mellendorf, most foods that end up at canneries, are to those facilities within hours of their harvest. She says that is a good thing as it helps keep its nutrients.