Eli5: why do certain refrigerated products require us to consume all once opened? Why can’t we eat some and refrigerate it again to consumer it later?
In: 24
Most products spoil in regular air due to oxygen, however to combat this in certain products (i.e. jam, a bag of chips, drinks) that clearly have air in them will sometimes be filled with nitrogen. Nitrogen is nontoxic, nonflammable, and will help preserve food since mold and bacteria can’t strive without oxygen. As soon as you open something, you are introducing oxygen.
Side note, some products will last a lot longer in normal temp even with oxygen due to many factors. Either PH levels are toxic to bacteria (hot sauce and vinegar) or there is simply not enough water for anything to live in (honey).
Edit: As to why we refrigerate after? It’s simply to slow down bacteria and mold. But unless you freeze it, it won’t stop the bacteria and mold completely.
Latest Answers