We particularly enjoy ketchup, mustards, and relish with hamburgers and sausages cooked on the grill. But where do we store these condiments when we are done using them and they have been opened: in the fridge or kitchen cabinet? Heinz, the famous ketchup company, finally settled the debate.
Why do we need to store or refrigerate ketchup?
Some grocery store products undergo processing to become shelf-stable, allowing them to remain unspoiled on shelves for extended periods. Some can stay in the pantry for a few months after opening, while others require refrigeration.”
Refrigeration can be an important factor in the storage process to extend the life and quality of the product. This includes the color, flavor, and texture of food items. The guidelines given by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services states that shelf-stable products like mustard, mayo, barbecue sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salsa will benefit from being stored in the fridge.
“Refrigeration ensures that commercial sauces and condiments stay fresh for a longer period of time.”
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Hence, it is also important to follow rules and regulations guided by government authorities and preventive measures should be taken if there is any contamination or spoilage.
History of Heinz
The Heinz Company was founded in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1869 by Henry John Heinz (1844–1919), who was later to become nationally known as the “Pickle King.”
The company manufactures and markets an extensive line of food products in 200 countries. The company’s principal products include ketchup, condiments and sauces, frozen food, soups, beans and pasta meals, infant nutrition and other food products. Its leading brands include its namesake ketchup, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, Classico pasta sauces, Ore-Ida frozen potatoes, and its Boston Market, T.G.I. Friday’s, and Weight Watchers frozen foods.
Does ketchup belong in pantry or fridge?
This week, the Heinz U.K. Twitter account finally settled the debate by tweeting its recommendation on where to store the tomato-based condiment.
Recently, a debate about Heinz ketchup storage criteria gained prominence on social media.
On June 27, the official Heinz UK Twitter account answered the age-old question: Should you keep ketchup in the fridge? The 154-year-old company issued guidance on its equally mature 147-year-old tomato-based condiment with six simple words:
FYI: Ketchup. goes. in. the. fridge!!!
Heinz
The tweet sparked hundreds and hundreds of responses. Oddly, none were from well-known pantry-ketchup advocate Cardi B, but many people took to the comments to express their shock, woe, and disagreement.
Hence Heinz has further clarified by creating a poll on Twitter. Heinz asked followers to vote on where they keep their ketchup: fridge or cabinet? The brand doubled down on the correct answer in the poll.
It has to be… in the fridge!
Heinz
But after analyzing the 2,500-plus votes, the answers were nearly split down the middle.
There was only ever one correct answer, and we’re happy to share with Heinz Tomato Ketchup lovers across the UK that our ketchup has to be in the fridge.
Olivia lennon
In 2017, its website stated that because of its “natural acidity” that the product would be “shelf-stable” — but with a caveat.
However, its stability after opening can be affected by storage conditions. We recommend that this product, like any processed food, be refrigerated after opening. Refrigeration will maintain the best product quality after opening.
Heinz
Heinz recommends refrigerating their tomato ketchup for better quality and longer shelf life, based on a consumer poll.
So, what do you think about this? Next time you buy Heinz ketchup, will you store it in the cabinet or refrigerator?
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