Nuts and Seeds
Your pantry might seem like the obvious place for storing nuts and seeds, but the refrigerator actually keeps them fresher for much longer. Because nuts contain oils, they start to degrade within about a month when stored at room temperature, and typically expire after three months. You can double that time in the fridge, though: “Placing them in the refrigerator in an airtight container will extend their life for up to six months”. Shelled nuts and seeds can last from three to six months in the fridge, compared to just one to three months at room temperature.
The science behind this makes perfect sense – nuts and seeds are loaded with healthy unsaturated fats that turn rancid when exposed to heat, light, and oxygen. Refrigeration extends the shelf life of many tree nuts, and Tree nut species differ in their storage requirements because of their varying oil and fatty acid compositions. Store them in airtight containers to prevent them from picking up other flavors in your fridge.
Flour
While most people keep flour in the pantry, moving it to the refrigerator dramatically extends its useful life. “Flour kept in the pantry lasts around six to eight months, but when stored in the fridge, it’ll last up to one full year. It should also be stored in an airtight container, whether it’s stored in the pantry or the fridge”. For example, all-purpose flour lasts 6–8 months on the shelf but up to 1 year if refrigerated and 2 years if frozen.
There’s another compelling reason to refrigerate your flour beyond shelf life – pest control. “Flour stored in the pantry is also susceptible to bugs and pests, but storing it in the fridge helps to avoid this”. Whole grain and nut-based flours especially benefit from cold storage since they contain more oils that can turn rancid quickly. Just remember to let your flour come to room temperature before baking to avoid lumping issues.
Natural Nut Butters
That jar of natural peanut butter or almond butter really should be living in your fridge once you open it. “Opened nut butter can last two to three months in the pantry but six to nine months when stored in the fridge. You’ll preserve the taste and quality and promote a more balanced spread with less oil separation within the jar, as well”. Natural nut butters lack the preservatives found in commercial brands, making them more vulnerable to spoilage.
The cold temperature does more than just extend shelf life – it actually prevents that annoying oil separation that happens when natural nut butters sit at room temperature. If you use a natural or homemade peanut butter, refrigerate it after opening. On the other hand, processed peanut butters have preservatives that make them OK to store at room temperature for a few months. However, it’s recommended to avoid preservatives and buy only natural peanut butter (without hydrogenated oil) instead. If you don’t plan to use your peanut butter – any type – within three months, refrigerate it.
Pure Maple Syrup
If you’re splurging on the real deal – 100% pure maple syrup – it absolutely needs to live in your refrigerator once opened. “Pure maple syrup doesn’t have any preservatives and can last indefinitely unopened in the pantry, but upon opening, it needs to be stored in the fridge to prevent mold from growing. You can keep it there for about a year or two, and perhaps a bit longer if stored in a glass jar as opposed to a plastic one”.
This is drastically different from the fake maple-flavored syrups that are loaded with preservatives. However, unlike syrup that’s only maple-flavored, this pure kind must be kept in the refrigerator to prevent mold. Store it in the freezer (don’t worry, it won’t freeze solid), and it’ll keep indefinitely. The lack of artificial preservatives in real maple syrup makes it incredibly susceptible to mold growth at room temperature.
Opened Canned Foods and Condiments
Once you crack open that can of tomatoes or jar of jam, they’re not pantry items anymore. “USDA recommendations: Refrigerate store-bought jams and jellies after opening for six to 12 months and up to 18 months in the pantry when sealed. Doing so maintains quality while preventing mold and yeast growth”. Even mustard benefits from refrigeration – “You probably don’t need to refrigerate mustard immediately upon opening, but it will only last at room temperature for about one to two months versus a whole year when in the refrigerator”.
The rule of thumb here is simple: once you’ve broken the seal, most canned goods and condiments work better with cold storage. Refrigerating opened canned goods depends largely on the type of food they contain. For instance, opened canned meats and fish should always be refrigerated after opening, whereas opened canned fruit may remain safe at room temperature for short periods. Although it’s safe to store food in the can, it retains its flavor better when transferred to a glass or plastic container.
These five simple switches from pantry to refrigerator storage can save you money by preventing food waste and keep your ingredients at peak quality for much longer. The cold temperature slows down the natural processes that cause food to deteriorate, whether it’s oil going rancid in nuts or mold growing in maple syrup. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you for making these changes.
