The great British 'fridge or cupboard' debate has finally been resolved, as a food waste specialist reveals some surprising items that should actually be stored in your fridge all along.
It might be worth reconsidering some of your established kitchen practices, particularly as temperatures fluctuate, to give your groceries the best chance of lasting longer.
Research reveals storage confusion
Research by premium biscuit manufacturer Bahlsen found that 21% of Britons are uncertain about the proper storage location for potatoes and bananas, amongst other everyday items that cause confusion.
To help minimise unnecessary food waste, food waste specialist Kate Hall has compiled an extensive list of commonly misplaced items. While some entries may come as a surprise, she's identified the essential products that ought to be refrigerated, particularly during Britain's warmer summer period.
Surprising items that should be refrigerated
While eggs can safely remain at room temperature in the UK without issue, the specialist notes they will "stay fresher for longer" when refrigerated. She maintains the fridge is "the best spot" to maintain a constant cool temperature as the weather changes.
Another item that frequently causes confusion, according to the expert, is the humble spud – often misunderstood due to mixed messages about health and safety. Potatoes were traditionally stored in cupboards over concerns about acrylamide, but the Food Standards Agency has since clarified this issue. Popping them in the fridge can extend their lifespan "up to three times longer", Hall maintains, as it slows down the sprouting and deterioration process.
In a similar vein, the specialist points out that apples carry on ripening once they've been picked, meaning they gradually turn softer and lose their juice. Storing them at fridge temperature helps them remain crisp and fresh for considerably longer.
Condiments and other fridge-worthy items
Perhaps the most hotly contested question of all revolves around condiments – should your ketchup and mayonnaise live in the fridge or the cupboard? According to Hall, condiments belong in the fridge once they've been opened, which helps maintain both their colour and taste for an extended period.
While these products typically contain high levels of sugar or salt, the majority of packaging and storage guidance recommends refrigerating bottles or jars straight after opening. This advice extends to soy sauce as well, particularly if you don't use it regularly.
One surprising entry on her list is nuts, but she explains that their unsaturated fats are susceptible to oxidation when they come into contact with heat and oxygen. Once their oil oxidises, they can turn rancid, though storing them in the fridge, or even the freezer, significantly slows down this deterioration.
The complete list of foods that should ideally be stored in the fridge includes: apples, seeds, wholemeal flour, citrus fruits, potatoes, peppers and chillies, fresh herbs, berries, cucumber, cut melon and tropical fruit, condiments and sauces, jams and marmalades, chutneys and pickles, pure maple syrup, soy sauce, eggs, butter, chocolate covered biscuits, and crisps.
