The way food is stored plays an important role in preserving it from spoilage. There are many foods that homemakers store incorrectly, resulting in their deterioration within a short period.
Expert Susan Hill reveals the best places to store everyday food items, according to the British newspaper The Sun:
**Tomato Sauce: Refrigerator or Pantry**
Ketchup manufacturers recommend storing it in the refrigerator once opened. However, nutritionist Dr. Sarah Shankar believes that's unnecessary, as the high vinegar content and acidity of tomatoes keep it fresh.
**Eggs: Refrigerator**
The biggest risk with eggs is Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. To prevent illness, the Food Standards Agency recommends storing eggs in the refrigerator.
**Mayonnaise: Refrigerator**
Fresh eggs and cream in mayonnaise can spoil easily, so it should always be kept in the refrigerator. Dr. Lisa Akerley states, "Mayonnaise can spoil quickly if left at room temperature."
**Chocolate: Pantry**
Refrigerating chocolate can cause sugar bloom, a white coating resulting from condensing sugar melt. Chocolate also absorbs odors, which may lead to strange smells and tastes.
**Butter: Refrigerator or Pantry**
Even though it’s a dairy product, butter will not spoil if left unrefrigerated for a few days. The cream used to make butter is pasteurized, warding off bacteria. Just make sure to keep it covered.
**Marmite: Pantry**
Marmite should never be kept in the refrigerator, as this makes it too hard to spread on bread. Marmite contains a lot of salt—a preservative—allowing it to stay unspoiled for a long time.
**Jams: Pantry**
Storing jams in the refrigerator can cause condensation to form under the lid, creating an ideal environment for mold. Jam is naturally acidic, which prevents bacteria growth.
**Cheeses: Refrigerator**
Cheese is rich in protein that bacteria feed on, making it susceptible to mold. Soft varieties, like mozzarella and goat cheese, have the shortest shelf life because they also have low salt levels.
**Bread: Pantry**
Putting bread in the refrigerator dries it out and causes it to spoil faster. Therefore, it’s always best to keep it in the pantry. However, you can also freeze bread to make it last longer.
