Just wondering if it's ok to keep opened ketchup in a cupboard at room temperature. If not, why not? Thanks!
2006-11-06 13:49:59 · 20 answers · asked by Banba 3 in Food & Drink ➔ Other - Food & Drink
Thanks for the responses. This is a debate that my Mom and Stepdad have been having for quite awhile, without any solution. Yet! :-)
2006-11-06 14:02:04 · update #1
Because it is a very acidic product, ketchup does not spoil easily. Once opened, in order to maintain the product's quality more effectively, we do suggest that ketchup (and any other processed food) be refrigerated after opening because refrigeration retards spoilage.
From Heinz FAQ
2006-11-06 14:12:59 · answer #1 · answered by Supplicant 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Refrigerate Ketchup
2016-11-16 09:10:06 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once you open any food product, bacteria and micro-organisms can enter the container. At room temperature, these critters can multiply quickly. Not all critters are unhealthy, but you will need an in-home bio lab to determine if you are safe. Refrigerating the foods slows the reproduction of the bacteria, making it last longer. The bacteria is there, but it just doesn't reproduce to dangerous levels at cooler temperatures. However, if left in the fridge long enough, any food may eventually spoil, or become unsafe to consume... be safe... fridge it!!
2006-11-06 14:02:52 · answer #3 · answered by tmarschall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never bought that brand of natural peanut butter... But if there was oil on the top that you had to mix in than you put it in the fridge to stop the oil from separating again. If their was no oil on top than you don't have to refrigerate it because theirs not much oil to separate (just give it a stir before you use it) All normal peanut butters with sugar and hydrogenated oil (the unhealthy part) will always have those ingredients and similar calories. So... The only better choice would be the natural :)
2016-03-17 06:35:43 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I refrigerate my ketchup out of habit. Mustard too.
Both do not say refrigerate after opening.
You refrigerate to retain freshness and flavor.
2006-11-06 14:11:33 · answer #5 · answered by no nickname 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's really a matter of preference. For those yapping "it says so on the bottle", that's merely a precaution that companies use to cover themselves. The odds of room temperature ketchup spoiling are slim to nil if consumed within a reasonable period of time. The acidity level of ketchup is far too high for spoilage unless significantly contaminated by an outside source like someone dipping their dirty fingers into it at which point even refrigeration would be moot.
I don't understand the people who say "it tastes better". Don't know about them, but most of the food I put ketchup on is hot and it's much tastier not having something freezing cold on it!
2014-03-10 10:41:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It says to refrigerate after opening right on the bottle so I would do it unless you want moldy ketchup.
2006-11-06 13:53:38 · answer #7 · answered by unicornfarie1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well they keep the ketchup out at restaurants, there is a lot of vinegar in it so it should be fine. Just look on the bottle, if it doesn't say to refrigerate then you don't have to.
2006-11-06 13:52:24 · answer #8 · answered by Aaron 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It really doesn't make a lot of difference. It will keep a little longer if you refrigerate it.
But it never stays around our house long enough to worry about that.
2006-11-06 13:59:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Best rule of thumb - if it says "Refrigerate after opening" on the label, then you should. Otherwise, it's probably a matter of preference.
2006-11-06 13:52:31 · answer #10 · answered by JubJub 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋