It’s time to move these much-debated items into the fridge

Chances are there are probably items you keep in the pantry that should be refrigerated.

From syrup to dried fruit and spreads, debate over what should be kept in the cupboard or fridge is enough to cause a serious rift in even the strongest families. And while some items can certainly be kept in either, it always pays to properly store opened packaged food correctly to ensure you’re not at risk of an unfortunate weevil invasion, or worse. 

To settle the debate once and for all, Freedom Foods Nutritional Advisor Joanna McMillan has weighed in on where we should really be keeping these common and much-debated items.

Peanut butter (or other nut butters) 

An open jar of peanut butter should be kept in the fridge, McMillan recommends. If you don’t refrigerate, the oils in the peanuts can separate overtime causing a nasty consistency.

“This [also] helps to slow or prevent bacterial or mould growth,” she adds. If you’re concerned about spreadability, because your peanut butter is hard from being cold, let it sit out at room temperature for a bit before spreading.

Read more: How to prevent dreaded freezer burn when storing your meat

Maple Syrup

Although it’s not refrigerated at the supermarket, maple syrup should always be kept in the fridge after it’s been opened. 

When kept at room temperature the syrup is known to get contaminated with moulds, despite it’s high-sugar content, which usually inhibits microbial growth. McMillan says the easiest and safest way to stop this from happening is to store it in the fridge. 

Wholegrain and legume flours 

Sticking flour in the fridge might sound strange, but flour made from intact grains or legumes such as chickpea flour can go rancid pretty quickly. Why? Unlike refined white flours, they contain more nutrients and oils, which makes them more likely to spoil.

“Storing your flour in the fridge prevents this and will increase storage life,” McMillan explains.

Read more: Bedtime snacks that will help you sleep better

Sesame oil

If you don’t plan on finishing your bottle of sesame oil within a month or so, consider refrigerating it, however if you tend to use it up quickly, it’s fine to store in the pantry, McMillan explains. “But since only small amounts are typically used in recipes, you may find like me that a bottle of sesame oil lasts for many months,” she adds.

Refrigeration may cause the oil to become cloudy and solidify, but this will not affect the quality of flavour, McMillan says, adding “simply take it out 15 minutes before use”.

Dried fruit

Dried fruit has less moisture than fresh fruit, so it doesn’t spoil as quickly, McMillan says, however it still needs refrigeration. “The high sugar content does make it hard for bugs to grow, but there are some that thrive in this sugary moist environment,” she explains. 

McMillan says it’s best to keep dried fruit in the fridge, particularly semi-dried varieties such as soft apricots, prunes, plump dates and figs.

Do you keep these items in the fridge or the pantry?