How lengthy do you have to preserve your condiments?

Make your personal

Fridge or cabinet? The easy guidelines

As a rule of thumb, most opened condiments profit from refrigeration, notably these which are creamy or low in acidity. High-acid or high-salt merchandise equivalent to vinegar, sizzling sauce, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are extra secure and might often be saved in a cool, darkish cabinet.

Over summer season, hotter kitchens can pace up deterioration, making refrigeration the safer choice for a lot of opened bottles and jars.

Kiwi favorite condiments, storage and the way lengthy they final

Tomato sauce

Storage after opening: Fridge

How lengthy it lasts: 3–6 months

Tomato sauce is acidic and pretty strong. Common Kiwi grocery store variations, together with Wattie’s, Heinz and own-brand sauces, are greatest saved within the fridge as soon as opened to protect flavour and forestall the floor from darkening or going sticky. If it smells yeasty or the color has dulled considerably, it’s time to switch it.

Mayonnaise

Storage after opening: Fridge

How lengthy it lasts: 1–2 months

Mayonnaise is oil-based and dairy-free, nevertheless it deteriorates shortly if left heat. Popular grocery store choices equivalent to Hellmann’s and Edmonds ought to at all times be returned to the fridge promptly after use. If the scent adjustments or separation seems uncommon, it’s most secure to bin it.

Mustard

Storage after opening: Pantry or fridge

How lengthy it lasts: 6–12 months

Mustard’s acidity and spices make it one of many hardier condiments. This contains yellow, wholegrain and Dijon-style mustards bought beneath manufacturers equivalent to Colman’s and Edmonds. Yellow and wholegrain varieties cope effectively within the pantry, whereas creamier Dijon kinds retain flavour higher when refrigerated.

Soy sauce

Storage after opening: Pantry (fridge elective)

How lengthy it lasts: 1–2 years

Thanks to its excessive salt content material, soy sauce retains effectively at room temperature. Many Kiwis retailer manufacturers equivalent to Kikkoman, Lee Kum Kee and own-label soy sauces within the pantry with out problem. Refrigeration isn’t important however can sluggish flavour loss and color darkening, notably in hotter months.

Sweet chilli sauce

Storage after opening: Fridge

How lengthy it lasts: 6–12 months

Sweet chilli sauce is often sugar- and vinegar-based, however as soon as opened it lasts longest when chilled. Supermarket staples equivalent to Trident and own-brand variations needs to be saved within the fridge. Puffy lids, effervescent or fizzing are indicators of fermentation and imply it needs to be discarded.

Barbecue sauce

Storage after opening: Fridge

How lengthy it lasts: 3–6 months

With its mixture of tomato, sugar and vinegar, barbecue sauce resists spoilage, however refrigeration helps preserve flavours shiny. Whether it’s a basic grocery store bottle or a premium choice like Whitlock & Sons, opened barbecue sauce is greatest saved chilled.

Worcestershire sauce

Storage after opening: Pantry or fridge

How lengthy it lasts: 1–2 years

Worcestershire sauce accommodates sufficient salt and acid to stay secure at room temperature. Traditional variations equivalent to Lea & Perrins, together with grocery store equivalents, can reside within the pantry, although refrigeration helps protect peak flavour.

Vinegar

Storage after opening: Pantry

How lengthy it lasts: Indefinitely (high quality might change)

Vinegar’s excessive acidity means it retains virtually indefinitely. This applies to white, cider and wine vinegars generally bought in New Zealand supermarkets. Sediment or cloudiness, notably in cider vinegar, is innocent. Heat and daylight received’t make vinegar unsafe, however they’ll uninteresting flavour over time.

Hot sauce

Storage after opening: Pantry

How lengthy it lasts: 2–3 years

Hot sauce is among the most secure condiments, because of its mixture of chilli, vinegar and salt. From classics like Tabasco to sriracha-style sauces, most bottles can sit fortunately in a cabinet. Significant color fading or a lack of aroma suggests it’s previous its greatest.

Chutneys and relishes

Storage after opening: Fridge

How lengthy it lasts: 6–12 months

Chutneys and relishes are wealthy in sugar and vinegar, which helps protect them. From basic Branston pickle to native choices, equivalent to Barker’s or Anathoth, opened jars preserve their flavour and texture greatest when saved within the fridge.

How to inform when it’s time to bin a condiment

Don’t rely solely on dates. Use your senses. Sour or uncommon smells, mould, fuzz or effervescent all imply it’s not secure. If a condiment turns into oddly slimy or goopy, notably mayonnaise or tomato sauce, it’s safer to switch it.

Top tip: Close lids tightly after use. Return condiments to the fridge promptly if really helpful. Keep bottles and jars out of direct daylight and warmth. Wipe rims and lids to forestall contamination.

Condiments don’t final endlessly, however many outstay their best-before dates if saved effectively. With a couple of smart habits and a willingness to belief your senses, you may preserve your favourites tasting good and keep away from pointless waste.

Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has labored in meals and journey publishing for practically 20 years. From managing your kitchen to reducing prices, she’s shared some useful recommendation just lately, together with the best way to prep your barbecue for summer season grilling, connoisseur hacks for elevating price range substances and what toppings to decide on for various crackers.