It’s time to settle the long-standing debate
(Picture: Getty Images)It’s the debate that divides the nation - do these household staples belong in the cupboard or the fridge?
Settle the debate. Fridge or cupboard? pic.twitter.com/wlbtlWgjqa
— No Context Brits (@NoContextBrits) June 30, 2021
Eggs, chocolate, ketchup and bread could all conceivably be places in the fridge or cupboard - but the individual decisions around each sent people on Twitter into a frenzy.
According to a study of 2,700 people from AO.com, an overwhelming 89 per cent of people believe that tomato ketchup belongs in the fridge along with tomatoes (89 per cent).
A notable 61 per cent of people suggested chocolate belongs in the cupboard, while there was a surprising tiebreak for eggs with a 50/50 split.
Chilling some foods doesn’t just cause conflict, it can actually be bad for your health. So, where do these items really belong according to experts?
Fridge
Tomato ketchup: Contrary to popular belief, tomato ketchup is better stored in the fridge. Keeping it in a cupboard can in fact alter the taste and colour, but don’t worry, it will still be safe to eat.
Eggs: Eggs belong in the fridge, but despite most fridges having an egg tray in the door compartment, it’s not the best place to store them due to temperature fluctuations. According to the British Egg Information Service - yes, that’s actually a thing, eggs should be kept at a consistent temperature below 20ºC.
Cupboard
Bread: Bread does not - and I repeat, does not, belong in the fridge. It should be stored in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness and prevent the bread from going stale.
Chocolate: The chocolate connoisseurs, Cadbury, settle the long-standing debate on whether chocolate should be stored in the fridge or the cupboard. Confirming the cupboard, they said on Instagram, “Chocolate should always be stored in slightly cool, dry, dark place such as cupboard or pantry at temperatures less than 20ºC”.
Tomatoes: According to author, Harold McGee’s book, On Food and Cooking, storing tomatoes in the fridge can actually damage the membrane inside the fruit and alter the texture and taste.
Bananas: There’s a myth that suggests keeping bananas in the fridge can keep them fresher for longer. Wrong. They will just end up black and mushy.
Case closed.
