103: It's fine even after five years

"Here we're offering free samples of canned goods. Please take a look at just how excellent Feekando Corporation's preservation technology is."

As we continued through the factory for a while,

after having roughly seen the entire process, we reached a spot where there was enough space to try the canned goods.

"Note: What exactly is this?"

"It appears they're demonstrating the remarkable preservation technology of Ficando Corporation in two directions here—specifically, resistance to aging degradation and resistance to various types of corrosion. For safety reasons, only the former is available for guests to consume."

Looking closely, beside the cans freshly made today, there were cans labeled as having been manufactured five years ago.

Moreover, right beside them, there was also a can seemingly soaked in corrosive liquid.

Ah, of course—the shelf life of Fikando Corporation's canned goods is reliably ten years, depending on the product.

Five years, half of that duration, would be quite sufficient in terms of preservation performance, provided the contents show no abnormalities.

Even if the can has been soaked in corrosive liquids, as long as neither the can nor its contents have sustained damage, it can generally be considered safe to store under most environmental conditions.

However, it's important not to forget that features designed to prevent spoilage from heat or physical damage are not necessarily suitable characteristics for a can, as they themselves can present problems.

"So, the contents of the two canned goods are essentially the same, correct?"

"Yes. While the production methods have slightly changed since then, and there are minor variations in the raw ingredients, they're not exactly identical. However, the type of fish used and the basic preparation process remain unchanged."

"I see. Then, may I try them?"

"Of course!"

Well then, let me give them a taste.

So, I decide to try eating both cans of food.

First, the mackerel in miso sauce, just freshly made today, it seems.

Hmm, the flavor has deeply penetrated, the bones are perfectly edible, and it's an exceptionally delicious canned food.

To be more specific, there's a moderately rich saltiness, a subtle sweetness, a fragrant miso taste, and as you chew, bursts of savory fish flavor that are perfectly complemented by the three aforementioned flavors.

The well-cooked bones provide a pleasant textural contrast, and the nutritional value is equally impressive.

Ah, carbohydrates—the staple food... I'd really prefer freshly cooked white rice.

Next, a mackerel miso stew supposedly made five years ago.

This... I'm genuinely surprised.

I can discern the intended differences—the variation in the mackerel, the miso, and the cooking method.

But even my palate can't detect any signs of degradation over time.

It's like a can that was just opened.

Of course, today's version is more refined in taste than the old one, but you wouldn't guess it's been five years.

Still, it's delicious in its own way.

"Wait, seriously five years?"

"Yes, it's from five years ago."

"Really, really?"

"Eh, yes... Well, that product was manufactured before I joined the company, so I wasn't present at the production site, but this performance has been ongoing for about thirty years. We keep canned goods specifically for long-term storage to sustain the performance. If needed, I can also provide video footage showing the storage conditions..."

"Satā. I understand you're surprised, but—"

"Satā-sama. You're being too formal."

"Uh, um, yeah. I'm sorry. I really couldn't tell the difference... I mean, I just couldn't tell at all..."

I ended up blurting out the question without thinking.

But judging by the female tester's reaction and the subtle nod from Memokushi saying "really, it's true," it seemed the canned food was genuinely manufactured five years ago.

No way... Seriously? Seriously?

"……So you're telling me you really couldn't tell the difference with Satā's own tongue?"

"I couldn't. And there wasn't even any mod designed to suppress aging effects."

"Vee-sama, Sata-sama. I just double-checked for confirmation, and it truly does appear to be a can from five years ago. I've verified both the data and that there's no mistake with the can."

"Amazing. I had no idea our company was doing something this incredible."

Just then, as we stepped away from the tasting area, Vilijanira slightly widened her eyes in surprise at the quiet words I whispered to Mebokushi.

But it's a fact that they've managed to maintain five years of degradation without any preservation additives.

According to what Mebokushi told me, while the storage environment for the mackerel miso stew cans is in a dark, low-vibration place, temperature fluctuations are still significant due to the lack of air conditioning.

In other words, it's the same as storing them at room temperature in a typical household.

Therefore, the conclusion is this:

"Feikando Corporation is amazing."

"Truly so."

"In any case, the typical shelf life of canned goods in the Modern Empire is about five years. With mod usage, they can last almost indefinitely, though energy consumption remains. Even top-tier corporations are only on par with Feikando Corporation."

"I'm starting to feel proud of that."

Feikando Corporation is a company recognized throughout the entire Empire.

And it's a legitimate company that's successfully maintained its technology for at least thirty years.

Incidentally, even in the modern era where freshness and spoilage prevention are possible through mods, canned goods still have demand.

This is because there are situations where electric, water, and gas mods aren't available, and there are flavors unique to canned food that can't be replicated otherwise.

Of course, the low effort and cost required for transportation and storage are significant advantages.

There are undoubtedly other benefits, advantages, and demands specific to canned goods—ones I haven't even thought of myself.

There should have been enough supplies for a few days' worth of emergency rations on the Pumpkin Witch, that much is certain.

……

I should check later whether there are any canned goods from Feekand Company.

"Then, Lady Vee, Lady Sata, Lord Joharis. It's about the right time, so let's head to the mess hall."

"Yes."

"Ah."

"Understood."

Let's try eating some of the other canned goods at the mess hall.

Also, the 10-year shelf life refers to the number of years the canned goods from Feekand Corporation are guaranteed to remain safe under properly maintained storage conditions. Therefore, if storage conditions are even better, they could reasonably last up to about 20 years.