Is It Really Necessary To Refrigerate

[Samuraisan]

Good morning all. I am the proud possessor of a brand new refrigerator/freezer. But alas, the fridge part seems smaller than my old trusted GE. So I need to reorganise and I have found I have many jars of opened things, jams, pickles , mustards etc. does anyone know if it really necessary to keep them refrigerated ?

[janbee]

I don't know if it's essential but I always do. If you're stuck for space though then I'd probably move a few into a cupboard.

[Frank97]

I've never kept jams, pickles or mustards in the fridge and I'm still alive!

[ummmm]

I don't refrigerate them anymore. Like you I found they took up too much room. I have a pantry though which is always kept cool.

[waterboatman]

Pickles shouldn't need to be in the fridge. Nor the mustard or jam. They are preserves so don't need a fridge.

[knowabit]

They do say on them to refrigerate after open, but we never have.

[dannyk13]

Most products these days will have information on the jar as to whether it is necessary to keep refrigerated.

[Old_Geezer]

It'll depend on the product. Anything stuffed full of sugar is fine outside but I guess the trick is to try it and see what works.

[Buenchico]

My fridge packed up about a decade ago and I've survived perfectly well without one ever since. Jams, mustards , sauces, etc simply go into my store cupboard (as they did in my parents' house, even after Mum got a refrigerator).

Further, the lady who runs the burger van up the road (where I'll probably be going for breakfast very shortly) is meticulous about hygiene. However her sauce bottles (including things like mustard and even mayonnaise) are simply left on the counter, rather than kept in her fridge. She still scores the maximum '5 stars' every time the council's hygiene inspector visits.

[B00]

No need to 'fridge your eggs either (just in case you normally do!)

[Samuraisan]

Thanks. Not even the eggs ? I think I have a bit of rearranging to do in my kitchen.

[ummmm]

Eggs are better at room temp. The problem though with keeping them in the kitchen is the fluctuation of temperature. Apparently they need a consistent temperature.

[B00]

I generally use the rule of thumb that there's no need to 'fridge any food stuffs that wasn't bought from a fridged section in a store.

[Buenchico]

The 'official' recommendation about storing eggs (i.e. from the British Egg Industry Council) is that they should be stored in a fridge at home (but that it's not necessary in supermarkets as their aisles are usually held at a constant temperature below 20C):
http://www.egginfo.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions-about-eggs
However, as long as you use them reasonably soon after purchase, there's no real problem with leaving them unrefrigerated.

[zebo]

I was always told not to put eggs in the fridge in this cool climate, you can't make meringue from refrigerated eggs for some reason.

[Hopkirk]

If you boil a very cold egg, the shell often cracks when you put it in.

[BlackadderV]

I waste a lot of stuff. I might buy a jar of apple sauce or mint sauce, use a bit then not bother again for 6 months, by which time it has gone manky. The one thing I do not buy is jars of mustard; apart from being grossly inferior to the real thing, anyone who can't be bothered to mix a little cold water with mustard powder doesn't deserve it.

[Old_Geezer]

Darned if I'm going to mix fresh mustard each time I want to spread some on my sandwich. A pot of Coleman's English does the job just fine :-p

[waterboatman]

Blackie, the same applies to apple or mint sauce. It's so easy to make for yourself.

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