Curious logo

Dear Curious Readers, No new content will be published for the next few months due to website changes.

 
Image depicting can opener, as in, The can opener was invented 48 years after the can

The can opener was invented 48 years after the can

 

Recommended for Middle Grades

Cans are very useful today. They help us store fruits and vegetables for a very long time. But when and how was it invented?

In 1810, scientist Nicholas Appert found that food stayed fresh for long periods if you could seal it tightly in a container (in his case a glass jar) and then heat it. Later that year, another inventor, Peter Durand, created the world’s first can made of iron and tin. Combined with Appert’s sterilization method, food preservation for long periods in cans became possible. This is how cans were invented to store food.

But, opening cans was another difficulty. The early cans were far too thick and heavy. Hammers were often used to break them open.

The first can opener was an American invention. It was invented by Ezra J. Warner in 1858. It looked like a scary weapon and was widely used by the US military at that time. This was 48 years after the can was invented.

The modern can opener

However, the can opener that we are familiar with today was invented only in 1870. This is 60 years after the invention of canned food, It was invented by an American, William Lyman. Thanks to him, today, we can easily open cans at home.

What are cans usually made of?

Today, most cans are made of aluminium metal.

 

Image depicting Curious Times Logo

Curious Times is a leading newspaper and website for kids. We publish daily global news aligned to your learning levels (also as per NEP 2020): Foundational, Preparatory (Primary), Middle and Senior. So, check out the News tab for this. We bring kids’ favourite Curious Times Weekly newspaper every weekend with top news, feature stories and kids’ contributions. Also, check out daily JokesPokeTongue TwistersWord of the Day and Quote of the Day, kids need it all the time.

Curious Times News Program for Schools for FREE. Over 5,000 schools and teachers from all over the world have joined our programme so that students and teachers can get FREE Educative Newspaper. Here, kids can take part in world events and win prizes and certificates for free through their schools.

Moreover, schools are sharing important School News, like interviews with the principal, notices about new students, contests, and results, not just on social media but also on a news website for kids and other schools.

Thus, do not wait any further, sign-up for your school for FREE. 

The following social media platforms allow you to communicate with us: WhatsAppInstagramFacebook, YoutubeTwitter, and LinkedIn.

  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

Share your comment!

To post your comment Login/Signup