Ketchup
Ketchup MUST go in the fridge after opening. If I ever find it in the fridge, even at someone else's house, I sneak it back into the refrigerator.

It's caused a surprising amount of arguments. I've got official emails from Heinz confirming the tomato condiment storage location.

Most people I've met are fanatical about it; more than religion. I suggest changing the subject to child abuse, it causes less offence.
(kupogud, Sat 3 Jul 2010, 15:56, 11 replies)

kryten?

( weaver., Sat 3 Jul 2010, 16:00, closed)

am i being thick
or does your first line not really make sense??

"If I ever find it in the fridge, even at someone else's house, I sneak it back into the refrigerator."

so if you find it in the fridge, you put it back in the fridge? wtf? and what's the difference between a fridge and a refrigerator??
(zenmeban thinks the weather could be better, Sat 3 Jul 2010, 17:16, closed)

being a bit anal there
some sort of obsessive?
( spimf ™ is whoever you want him to be, Sat 3 Jul 2010, 17:39, closed)

I think they meant if they ever find it out of the fridge.
I noticed it too, though. No sense! XD
( vix0r was not Matthew on, Sat 3 Jul 2010, 19:03, closed)

I think he left out the word NOT, i suspect a typo.
The other one is eggs, often stored in the fridge but left in the open in most supermarkets.
(Moominator missing the good stuff cos' the swear filter is on, Sat 3 Jul 2010, 19:22, closed)

Most foods will last longer if refrigerated
I'm no expert; but generally speaking, you'll slow down microbial spoilage in the cooler (Most spoilage Bacteria and Fungi grow much slower at 5c than 20c).

Also, low temperatures should slow the the oxidation of fats and alcohols. In addition, there's a theoretical reduction in the loss of Aroma compounds through evaporation.

The logical (although time-consuming) thing to do would be; once you've stored everything you must chill, to then fill as many spare square centimetres of your fridge as possible with other suitable foodstuffs: Condiments, drinks, eggs. Use discretion, some unsealed foods like an open loaf of bread might not fare well due to condensation.

A fuller fridge should, after first reaching equilibrium, use less energy. More food inside equals less air inside; air which escapes every time you open the door, and is replaced with fresh warm air which has to be chilled.

Additionally, in the event of a power failure, the increased thermal mass inside should mean the sensitive contents stay cooler longer; but you still ought to keep the door shut.
(The Incredible Sulk Finally remembered his password on, Sat 3 Jul 2010, 19:46, closed)

Ketchup should be in the fridge.
Ketchup used to be OK to leave at room temperature, but some time during the 80s/90s when we all got fussy about preservatives and 'uneccessary' additives in food, Heinz stopped putting so much of it in their ketchup - as did countless other manufacturers.

So it is now recommended to keep it in the fridge. It's no biggie, cold or warm ketchup tastes pretty much the same.
( Not Pineapple anymore, Mon 5 Jul 2010, 9:33, closed)

t'is
true.
We had a run where our bottles of Red would ferment back in the 90s, and then started putting in the fridge. Previously, cupboard was good enough for weeks even months of storage.
( Sextant goes to him is emotionally erect, on this day, Wed 7 Jul 2010, 17:38, closed)

You shouldn't keep eggs in the fridge - they keep for ages anyway.
But if you must, you should allow them to come back to room temperature before use to help prevent curdling.
( Enzyme is powered by sunlight, Wed 7 Jul 2010, 20:15, closed)

Ketchup should be binned...
But that's just my opinion - I hate the stuff.

Just can't work out why there's 3 bottles of the stuff in my CUPBOARD (Ha!) - most likely 'mates' of mine who know I can't bear to touch the stuff...
( snee held his breath since, Mon 5 Jul 2010, 11:54, closed)

All condiments go in the fridge
The mrs disagrees, then she likes brown sauce so can't be trusted.

Incidentally, brown sauce is the only sauce not allowed in my fridge.
( Dervel OTBC, Mon 5 Jul 2010, 15:55, closed)