Are YOU storing your sauces wrong? The correct spot for every single condiment, revealed – as experts finally settle the debate on where ketchup belongs

From mayonnaise to hot sauce, there are dozens of condiments filling most of our kitchen cabinets and refrigerator doors.

But do you know where each sauce should be placed?

Which? analyzed the 20 most common condiments to reveal exactly where you should store them.

“When we asked people questions about how they store their sauces, we discovered a lot of confusion, misinformation, and outright bad habits, including ones that could put your health at risk,” the consumer advocate said. explained.

‘By law, manufacturers are required to put storage instructions on their products.

‘But more than a third of people we asked in a 2020 survey said they never checked where spices should be stored or for how long.

‘We consulted food experts, including a registered dietitian, for the definitive guide to what goes where and why.’

The consumer champion even settled the debate over where ketchup belongs; So have you been hiding it in the wrong place all this time?

Spices you should keep in the refrigerator

You may be surprised to learn that most condiments do not need to be refrigerated.

Actually Which? He says only six flavors should be kept refrigerated.

At the top of the list is mayonnaise, which one? It is stated that it should be stored in the refrigerator and used within three months after opening.

‘Pasteurization provides an extra layer of safety, but it still needs to be refrigerated,’ dietitian Dr Sarah Schenker advised.

Next up is pesto; especially if it contains pine nuts.

Nuts can develop mold that produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins; However, thanks to the vibrant green color of pesto, these toxins can be difficult to see.

Dr Schenker added: ‘It can be difficult to see mold in pesto, especially if it is green pesto, so either way don’t take any chances. Stick to label recommendation.’

You may be surprised to learn that most condiments do not need to be refrigerated (stock image)

Like mayonnaise, salad cream and tartar sauce contain eggs, so it’s best to refrigerate them.

‘Condiments such as salad cream are often left out during summer parties and barbecues,’ Dr Schenker said.

‘To prevent the whole bottle from sitting around in hot conditions, it’s best to pour some into a bowl for use.’

Also Which? He recommends keeping blackcurrant jelly and maple syrup in the refrigerator due to their high sugar content.

Spices you can keep in the fridge

In contrast, the vast majority of condiments, including ketchup, can be stored in the cupboard.

While many people insist that ketchup belongs in the refrigerator, which one? ensures it contains enough vinegar to stay at room temperature.

“Sometimes people keep ketchup in the fridge because they prefer the cold taste, otherwise it doesn’t need to be refrigerated,” Dr Schenker said.

Pesto needs to be refrigerated; especially if it contains pine nuts. Nuts can develop mold that produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins, but these toxins can be difficult to see thanks to the vibrant green color of pesto.

HP Sauce, honey and mint sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator along with the pickles.

Dr Schenker explained: ‘Pickles and chutneys originally emerged as a way to preserve fresh fruit and vegetables, so by their nature they can be stored outside the refrigerator.’

However, be careful if there are any stray crumbs in your pickle, as these can become mouldy.

‘Don’t worry about some mold forming in products such as jam, jelly, fruit sauces.’ Which one? he assured.

‘Experts say if you’re in good health, you should scrape it off and eat what’s underneath.

‘Avoid breathing in spores and discard if food tastes ‘fizzy’ and you are prone to stomach upset.’

Many home cooks like to keep their mustard in the refrigerator along with their ketchup, but who thinks this is unnecessary?

Dijon, English and whole grain mustards are full of preservatives, meaning they won’t spoil at room temperature.

However, if you want to give your mustard a real punch, feel free to pop it in the fridge.

“The preservatives mean it’s OK to keep it in a cupboard, but keeping it in the fridge can help retain its kick and sharpness for longer,” Dr Schenker said.

He added that the vibrant color of mustard “may change in a warmer environment.”