Britain's long-running debate over whether food belongs in the fridge or the cupboard has been resolved, as a food waste expert reveals some surprisingly unexpected items that should actually be refrigerated.
It may be time to reconsider longstanding food storage habits, particularly as temperatures fluctuate, giving groceries a better chance of lasting longer. According to research by premium biscuit manufacturer Bahlsen, 21% of Britons are unsure where to store their potatoes or bananas — and that's just a handful of the foods leaving people bewildered.
Surprising foods for the fridge
Expert Kate Hall has compiled an extensive list of items she believes are routinely stored in the wrong place. While some findings may come as a surprise, she outlines key foods best kept in the fridge, particularly during summer months.
While eggs can be safely kept at room temperature in the UK, the expert suggests they will "stay fresher for longer" when stored in the fridge, arguing it is "the best spot" to maintain a consistently cool temperature as weather changes. Another frequently misunderstood item is the potato, following confusion over health and safety concerns. People traditionally kept potatoes in the cupboard due to worries over acrylamide, but the expert notes this has since been disputed by the Food Standards Agency.
Extending freshness
Refrigerating potatoes can allow them to last "up to three times longer", Hall claims, with slower sprouting and deterioration. Similarly, apples continue to ripen after being picked, becoming softer and less juicy; storing them at a cool fridge temperature helps them remain crisp and fresh for considerably longer.
Perhaps the greatest debate is where condiments ought to be kept. Hall maintains that condiments should always be refrigerated once opened, helping to preserve their colour and flavour. While these products typically contain high levels of sugar or salt, most packaging and storage instructions advise refrigerating once opened. Soy sauce also falls into this category, particularly if not used frequently.
Nuts and other surprises
One item that may raise eyebrows is nuts. According to Hall, their unsaturated fats are susceptible to oxidation when exposed to heat and oxygen. When their oil oxidises, they can turn rancid; storing them in the fridge, or even the freezer, significantly slows this process.
The full list of foods that ideally should be kept 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.
