LISTEN: To refrigerate, or not to refrigerate, that is the question
The debate has been settled: Which food items belong in the fridge and which don't...
One of the many food debates that has been going on for a very long time is where certain foods, sauces, and spreads should be stored.
Some people will follow the directions on a bottle, but what about fruits and veggies that don't come with instructions?
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It seems like there has never been any clarity or consensus on the storing of food.
It also might not seem like a big deal, but you want your food to last and stay fresh for as long as possible.
Varying opinions might also cause some tensions in households...
Ketchup belongs in the fridge.
— antonio (@antoniodelotero) February 5, 2017
Ketchup belongs in the fridge.
Ketchup belongs in the fridge.
Ketchup belongs in the fridge. https://t.co/eQmbc5T3Tb
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From surveys to studies, researchers and consumers have been trying to get to the bottom of this situation.
Here is a list of foods and how they should be stored:
Tomato sauce: Pantry
Probably the most controversial of the storage wars, it's time to settle the score.
According to Dr Zac Turner, a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness, the sauce's high acidity and processing mean that it doesn't require refrigeration after being opened.
Even Heinz released an official statement:
Because of its natural acidity, Heinz® Ketchup is shelf-stable. However, its stability after opening can be affected by storage conditions. We recommend that this product, like any processed food, be refrigerated after opening. Refrigeration will maintain the best product quality after opening.
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Peanut Butter: Pantry/Fridge
This might be the most shocking one as most people can not imagine putting peanut butter in the fridge.
According to the National Peanut Butter Board, the correct way to store it is a maximum of three months in the pantry and then it should be moved to the fridge for up to three more months.
Butter: Tabletop
Butter seems to be a bit of a rogue one but there is some method in the madness. Trying to spread cold butter can be a struggle, so not only is it easier to spread when stored on a table or countertop, but it also is less likely to support bacterial growth.
This is because butter has a high fat content and low water content compared to other dairy products.
Salted butter is at an even lower risk of growing bacteria but it needs to be stored correctly. Make sure it is in an airtight container, in a cool dry place away from heat and light.
Of course, refrigerating it will keep it fresher for longer, but if consumed in a few days, the tabletop is recommended.
Eggs: Fridge
Like butter, eggs seem like risky business.
Luckily, the answer is straightforward and eggs should definitely be stored in the fridge if the temperature in your kitchen is higher than 15°C.
Eggs should always be stored below that, so maybe you can leave them out in the winter months but they should be in the fridge for the rest of the year.
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Jam: Fridge
Even though they are stored on shelves in the store, jams should always be put in the fridge after opening, especially if they have little bits of bread or butter remnants.
Avo: Fridge/Tabletop
It's best to leave these on the tabletop, but as soon as they are ripe enough, storing them in the fridge will keep them fresh for longer.
Bread: Pantry
People have often found that their bread might last longer if stored in the fridge and that they still have enough time to eat it before it goes bad. Unfortunately, putting bread in the fridge is making it go stale faster.
Bread should never be stored in the fridge as the starch molecules recrystallise quickly, making it go stale really fast. Instead, you should keep it in the pantry or freeze it.
Chocolate: Pantry
Some people find that a slab of ice-cold chocolate is more enjoyable, but one of the leading chocolate brands disagrees.
Cadbury has spoken:
Hi Bruno. Chocolate should always be stored in a slightly cool, dry, dark place such as cupboard or pantry at temperatures less than 21°C to ensure the quality isn’t compromised 😌
— Cadbury Australia (@CadburyAU) May 20, 2020
However, living in South Africa, you might find that your chocolate has become a completely melted mess in the summer so you won't be too harshly judged for putting it in the fridge.
Just be aware that this might cause sugar blooming: "In such conditions, moisture accumulates on the chocolate's surface and extracts the sugar within it. As the moisture subsequently evaporates, it deposits white sugar crystals, creating a visible coating on the chocolate's surface."
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