I’m a food expert & you’ve been putting loads of the wrong things in the fridge – here’s how to get it right
HEINZ has waded into the age-old row over whether tomato ketchup should be stored in the fridge or the cupboard.
A new study of 2,000 Brits found that four in ten of us don’t keep the condiment chilled – a big mistake, according to experts at the brand.
Heinz spokeswoman Olivia Lennon said: “There was only ever one correct answer, and we’re happy to share with Heinz Tomato Ketchup lovers across the UK that our ketchup has to be in the fridge.
“Although we’re aware many fans have been storing their ketchup in the cupboard, we do recommend refrigeration after opening.”
But what else should, or shouldn’t, be refrigerated?
Food scientist Dr Sue Bailey, of , explains: “People often don’t realise they are storing things in the wrong place at home.
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“With the cost-of-living crisis, it’s now more important than ever to keep food fresher for longer – and how you store it might give a few extra days’ life.”
Here, she gives Lynsey Hope a rundown of what’s hot – and what’s not – when it’s chilled.
Tomato sauce
FRIDGE
IN days gone by, tomato ketchup might have been OK in a cupboard but Sue advises against it now.
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She says: “There are not the same levels of sugar or preservatives in it as before and it is those that stop bacteria multiplying.
“That is why the manufacturer will often recommend storing it in the fridge.
“If you leave it in a cupboard, you might experience some mould growth.”
Bread
CUPBOARD
USE your loaf and store this sandwich staple in a bread bin, where it keeps best.
“Bread will actually go more stale if you put it in the fridge and will dry out,” Sue says.
“Instead, store in a bread box or pop it in the freezer and take out a slice when you need it.”
Tomatoes
FRUIT BOWL
PUTTING tomatoes in the fridge too soon will stop them ripening and kill their flavour.
“Keeping them cold might also alter their texture and colour,” Sue explains.
“But once they are ripe, keeping them in the fridge may extend their life and keep them fresh for longer.”
Jam
FRIDGE
JAM contains a lot of sugar, traditionally, that should stop it going off.
“But you still risk mould growing if it’s out the fridge for too long once opened,” Sue says.
“Low sugar varieties may be more of a risk.
“It won’t hurt to refrigerate it.”
Potatoes
CUPBOARD
“THESE are definitely not for the fridge,” Sue explains.
“When potatoes are put in the fridge, the starch in them is converted to sugar and, when baked or fried, this is less healthy.
“They will sprout and go off quicker in the fridge.
“They should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place.
“If you put an apple next to them it will help them last even longer, due to the production of ethylene.”
Butter
FRIDGE
“THE butter dish may look nice, but keeping it in the fridge will stop it going rancid and help it last longer,” Sue recommends.
“If you are eating it from a butter dish, it won’t do much harm providing you are consuming it quickly.”
Onions
CUPBOARD
ONIONS will last up to 30 days if stored in a cool, dark place.
“They don’t need to be in the fridge,” Sue says.
“Just like potatoes, the starch may be converted to sugar and this might turn them soft and soggy much faster than they would be otherwise.
“Keep them away from potatoes as there can be flavour transference.”
Peanut butter
FRIDGE
ONCE opened, pop your peanut butter in the fridge.
“It should be stored in a cool, dark place and it might be ok for 3-4 weeks, but any longer than that and the oils it contains will start to go off,” Sue explains.
“The best advice is to store it in the fridge once opened.”
Eggs
FRIDGE
“IT is better for eggs to be kept in the fridge,” Sue advises.
“Often our homes are quite warm and eggs will deteriorate more quickly if you don’t keep them there.
“They are best kept in the box in the middle of the fridge rather than in the fridge’s special egg containers, as these are usually at the top where it is warmest.
“If you store eggs outside the fridge, make sure they are kept fairly cool and use within two to three weeks.”
Avocados
FRUIT BOWL
“KEEP avocados out of the fridge until ripe – and then pop them in,” Sue urges.
“If you have half an avocado, leave the stone in and brush it with lemon juice to keep it green and fresh.”
Grapes
FRIDGE
THE fridge is not essential but they’ll stay fresh for longer.
“Keeping them cold will delay decay,” Sue insists.
“You can keep them out the fridge, as you often see in hotel rooms, but they’ll last longer if kept cold. If you keep them in a bowl, eat them reasonably quickly.”
Bananas
CUPBOARD
NEVER store bananas in the fridge.
“They’ll go black very quickly,” Sue says.
“Bananas are a tropical fruit so they have no natural protection to the cold, which will cause the digestive enzymes to leak out of the cells.
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“This is what makes them turn black.
“Bananas are very sensitive so you should store them away from other fruits to lengthen their life.”