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It’s something most of us do without a second thought.
But the next time you unpack your groceries at the supermarket, you might want to reconsider where you store them.
Food researchers at Two Wombats have revealed the surprising foods you should keep in the fridge.
“It is obvious that products such as meat, fish and fresh dairy products should be kept in the refrigerator,” they explained.
“But there are other ingredients that you may be surprised to learn you’ve been storing incorrectly.”
Where do you keep these ingredients? Surprisingly, among those that keep best in the refrigerator are nuts and whole wheat flour.
1. tomato sauce
Many people mistakenly believe that ketchup should be stored on the shelf in the cupboard, like it is in the supermarket.
However, once opened, experts say ketchup should be kept in the refrigerator.
“As long as it is not opened and sealed, it can be stored in the pantry,” they explained.
“But once opened, it is best to store it in the refrigerator to maintain its natural level of acidity, flavor, smell and color.”
2. Corn on the cob
If you’re stocking up on corn on the cob for your next barbecue, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator.
“If the corn on the cob is refrigerated immediately after purchase, the conversion of its sugars into starches will considerably slow down,” experts say.
“This will maintain its natural sweetness and crunchy texture for longer.”
Technically it’s okay to keep butter on the kitchen table. However, if you want to prolong the freshness and improve the flavor, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator.
3. Whole wheat flour
One of the most surprising items on the list is whole wheat flour.
While other types of flour are usually stored in the cupboard, whole wheat flour has a higher oil content, so it can go rancid if kept at room temperature.
“Freshness and flavor can be preserved by chilling, making it perfect for baking,” the experts said.
4. Butter
Technically it’s okay to keep butter on the kitchen table.
However, if you want to prolong the freshness and improve the flavor, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator.
“The best way to keep butter spreadable and fresh is to scoop out enough for mealtime and leave it out of the refrigerator about an hour before using it so it can soften properly,” the experts said.
If you have leftover rice, it may seem harmless to leave it on the counter. However, according to experts, this can cause food poisoning.
5. tortillas
If you buy tortillas regularly, you may have noticed that they go moldy annoyingly quickly.
To solve this problem, experts suggest keeping tortillas in the refrigerator.
“Tortilla containers are very sensitive to changes in temperature, which can generate humidity and cause mold,” they explained.
“When stored in the refrigerator, corn tortillas can last up to eight weeks, flour tortillas up to four, and homemade tortillas seven days instead of the usual two or three.”
6. Walnuts
If you plan to consume nuts within a month of purchasing them, it’s okay to have them in your pantry.
However, if you want to keep them fresh for longer, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator.
“The unsaturated fats in nuts are delicate and can quickly go rancid, affecting their natural flavor and making them less palatable,” the experts said.
7. Natural peanut butter
From Pip & Nut to Meridien, natural peanut butters are now hugely popular in the UK thanks to their basic ingredients and lack of stabilisers.
As with nuts, if you are going to use your natural peanut butter within a few weeks, you can store it in the pantry.
However, if you plan to keep it for longer, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator, according to experts.
“Unlike conventional peanut butter, natural variants contain no stabilizers, so chilling them helps keep the spread softer and fresher for longer,” they explained.
“To prevent the natural peanut butter from separating, stir it and store it upside down in the refrigerator.”
8. Cooked rice
If you have leftover rice, it may seem harmless to leave it on the counter.
However, according to experts, this can cause food poisoning.
“All varieties of raw rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea,” they said.
“These spores are heat resistant and survive even after cooking.
From Pip & Nut to Meridien, natural peanut butters are now hugely popular in the UK thanks to their basic ingredients and lack of stabilisers. As with nuts, if you are going to consume your natural peanut butter within a few weeks, you can store it in the pantry.
‘To prevent the growth of bacteria, it is recommended to divide large quantities of rice into smaller portions and allow them to cool faster by spreading them in a shallow tray before storing in the refrigerator.
“This method reduces the risk of bacterial growth and prevents the rice from becoming too lumpy or mushy when reheated.”
9. Jam
Because of its high sugar content, you might think it’s safe to store jam in the pantry.
However, once opened, mold and fermentation can occur quickly.
“Once you remove the lid from the jar, it’s time to store it in the refrigerator,” the experts said.
‘Using a clean spoon every time you scoop out the jam can significantly extend its shelf life. Additionally, storing the jam in the refrigerator immediately after each use will help prevent mold formation and maintain its quality.
10. yeast
It is a vital ingredient in many baked products, but yeast is very sensitive to environmental changes.
Unopened, it can be stored in a cool, dry place, but it is recommended to refrigerate it once opened.
“Lower temperatures in the refrigerator help preserve yeast activity and prevent it from dying, ensuring it remains suitable for your baking needs,” the experts added.
‘Once you open a can of yeast, it’s essential to transfer any unused yeast to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator.
‘This prevents moisture from deactivating the yeast. When stored properly, yeast can maintain its activity for approximately 4 to 6 months after opening.