We asked an expert to settle this saucy age - old disputation , once and for all .
Jacob Fox
Is there any condiment more iconically American than cetchup ? It ’s one of the most popular condiment in the U.S. ( besidesmayo , which takes the # 1 spot ) , yet one doubt has yet to be answered formally : Should you store catsup in the fridge ? While it ’s deal unrefrigerated and left out apparently all day on restaurant table , people are generally at betting odds about how the condiment should be put in once the seal of approval has been smash .
Credit:Jacob Fox
Some argue that lay in catsup at room temperature keep up its authentic spirit , while others argue that it should be stored in the electric refrigerator to keep it from hold out bad . So is there a “ veracious ” answer to this age - old head ? We askedDr . Bryan Quoc Le , PhD ; a solid food scientist , intellectual nourishment industry adviser , and author of the book150 Food Science Questions Answered , and he was able to get to the bottom of it ( so you could specify how you want to the bottom of your bottle ) .
First thing first : Le confirm that due to the high acidulousness and lettuce content of ketchup , leaving it unrefrigerated ( even after it ’s been open ) does not stick a safety vexation . This is because pathogenic micro-organism ( i.e. disease - make organisms ) are ineffectual to grow — but he still avow that sealed micro-organism are insubordinate to the acidulent term in catsup and could still make a home in the product .
“ For lesson , acid - resistant yeasts , mold , and bacteria are known to find a way into ketchup and other condiments , which will feast on the sugars and nutrient found in the condiment , ” Le says .
These microorganism , which Le refers to as “ spoilage microorganisms , ” can take some clip to establish their presence in ketchup since their growth is relatively slow . However , once they ’re there , they can importantly impact the taste and look .
Le reference work one microorganism in particular ( Zygosaccharomyces rouxiito be exact ) that is often used to makesoy sauce . Once established , this microorganism produces savory and alcohol-dependent odour that ensue in ketchup that ’s just kind of off — so while it wo n’t make you sick , you probably wo n’t be inclined to finish thathot dogyou’ve slather in tomato ketchup when it tastes a bit more like soya sauce than it should .
" place ketchup in the refrigerator helps to significantly slow down the growing of these spoilage microorganisms , ” Le says . He notes that refrigeration is only necessary once the product has been opened . “ Unopened cetchup has been pasteurized or hot - take , so the level of microbial contamination is minute and does not gravel a trouble for foresightful - full term storage outside of the icebox . ”
The bottom argumentation is that while tomato ketchup is a ledge - static product , refrigerating it after it ’s opened is recommended by food scientist and food safety expert for preserve its earmark perceptiveness , colour , and relish . In case you still remain unconvinced , Heinz of late weigh inon the public debate back in June 2023 on X ( formerly Twitter ) to shut down any rumor once and for all . “ FYI : Ketchup . operate . in . the . electric refrigerator ! ! ! ” the postal service read .
But really — it comes down to your personal predilection .
