There are cooking habits that pass from generation to generation without much questioning, but few people share opinions as much as the correct way to store ketchup. Between those who leave it in the cupboard and those who put it in the fridge, the discussion seems endless: after all, is it a question of taste, convenience or food safety? An expert has now come to put an end to the doubt and the answer surprises many consumers.
Joshua Houston, food conservation expert on the Household Quotes platform, guarantees that the correct place to store ketchup once opened is the refrigerator. According to the expert, keeping it at room temperature can even cause health problems, as the product can deteriorate more quickly, according to the British newspaper Daily Express.
“Bottled sauces are a staple in many meals, and ketchup and chips are a classic. But it’s important to make sure we store them correctly. Anyone’s last wish is to get sick from consuming something spoiled,” he explained. “Refrigerating the sauce allows you to enjoy it for longer, avoiding waste.”
Molds and Outdoor Decay
Martin Bucknavage, a food safety expert at Pennsylvania State University, reinforces the same idea. “If you want to maximize the quality of your ketchup, store it in the refrigerator,” he advised. “Once opened, there is a possibility that mold may form on the lid, which is the biggest risk when the product is left out for long periods.”
According to experts, opening and storing them in the closet is not a good idea. Even if the sauce appears intact, constant exposure to heat and light can alter the flavor and facilitate the growth of microorganisms.
Heinz puts an end to the controversy
Heinz itself decided to intervene in the debate, after a survey of 2,000 Brits revealed that four in ten choose to store ketchup in the cupboard. Cities like Sheffield lead the way in “infractions”, with 62% of inhabitants admitting not to refrigerating their sauce, according to the same source.
Olivia Lennon, spokesperson for Heinz Tomato Ketchup, was clear: “There has always been only one right answer, and we’re happy to confirm to Heinz Tomato Ketchup fans that our sauce should be in the fridge. While we know many people store it in the cupboard, we highly recommend refrigerating it after opening. It’s the best way to maintain the distinctive, intense flavor that everyone knows.”
Experts’ conclusion
Once opened, ketchup, like most sauces, must be kept cold to ensure food safety and preserve flavor, according to the . Outside the refrigerator, the texture, color and taste may change within a few weeks. So, if your ketchup bottle still lives in the cupboard, the verdict is simple: it’s time to move it to the fridge.
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