Hearthly wrote:
Cavey wrote:
Golden syrup really does more or less last forever (thanks to osmotic potential
)
Mayonnaise isn't like that though, so you picked a really bad example, there. etc.
It was just a general illustrative example, I appreciate it's a bit of a special case.
So you'd be happy to have some of that golden syrup, but tomato ketchup that had been kept in a cupboard for a couple of months would fall into the 'whiffy, claggy, pseudo booger-laden unrefrigerated condiment past its sell-by date and teeming with bacteria' category?
Well yes, as I've said, syrup and honey are super-concentrated sugar solutions which nothing can live in, as I've pointed out (and can even be used in first aid to sterilise a wound), so obviously I'd be fine eating these, because basic GCE science.
But I wouldn't be happy to eat mayonaise that's been opened and stored at room temperature for 2 months, as contrary to the manufacturers instructions, no. For the reasons stated.
As I said before, what exactly is your issue with putting a jar of mayo or tommy sauce in the fridge, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations? Don't you believe them or something?
What terrible things do you think are going to happen - oh noes my dollop of mayo is a bit chilly? Sorry, but the manufacturer knows best; they invest millions into R&D, shelf life, appropriate formulation and storage. Bottom line - it may have been fine when I was a 16 year old impoverished student but at 49, I'm kinda well past the whole "sniff test before eating" thing, thanks.