I’ve written before about having a tiny refrigerator aboard Barefoot Gal. And so I don’t refrigerate anything that I don’t have to. And that includes mayonnaise.
Most Americans – and, as far as I know, Canadians – are used to hearing that mayonnaise must be refrigerated or you’ll get a nasty case of food poisoning.
Does opened mayo need to be refrigerated? Surprisingly, opened mayo does not need to be refrigerated unless the packaging explicitly specifies it. As long as the condiment remains in a sealable jar or container, it can be placed back on your counter or pantry for up to two months, according to FoodSafety.gov.
“Refrigerating commercial mayonnaise after opening has more to do with quality and extending its shelf life than it does with spoilage,” the company said.
For years, mayonnaise has been kept away from restaurant diners, locked away in the fridge, under the mistaken assumption that the condiment was prone to spoiling. But a recent push to debunk that myth has boosted the products distribution.
“Mayonnaise manufacturers innovated by taking a classic product and repackaging it for a new purpose,” Annie Roberts, vice president of SupplyTrack, said in a statement. “This all-purpose staple now has its rightful place on the restaurant table, and restaurant customers can literally hold the mayo.”
And for you doubters: Scientists specializing in food products determined that commercially produced mayo has a high enough acidity that bacteria growth associated with food-borne illnesses is slowed and the product doesnt need to be refrigerated, NPD said.
Of course, mayonnaise contaminated by a dirty spoon or a piece of food could still cause issues for consumers.
The Clean Spoon Rule
But many cruisers don’t refrigerate mayonnaise/Miracle Whip, instead using the “clean spoon rule.” Basically, you absolutely never, ever put anything other than a perfectly clean spoon in the jar of mayo. No wiping a knife on a slice of bread then putting it back in the jar for a second dip. No using the spoon you used to first scoop the tuna out of the can. And no using a knife that you just sort of wiped off on a rag. It has to be clean.
An alternative that we prefer is to use squeeze bottles and never, ever touch the opening with anything – fingers, food, rags, anything. I’m talking about manufacturer squeeze bottles, not ones that you transfer the mayo into. The manufacturer squeeze bottles are germ-free to start with, so as long as you don’t introduce bacteria there won’t be any – and commercial mayonnaise and Miracle Whip have a number of preservatives in them, too.
While we don’t refrigerate the mayonnaise container, we still do refrigerate any dishes made with mayonnaise such as potato salad since in those the mayo has come in contact with other foods and is “contaminated.” Well, not really contaminated . . . but mixed with other things which might have bacteria that would grow in the mayo.
Since the “clean spoon” or squeeze bottle rule is contrary to all the government recommendations, you do this at your own risk. And when I had a much larger refrigerator aboard our previous boat, I did refrigerate mayonnaise. But I don’t anymore – I just don’t have room. And I know numerous other cruisers that also don’t refrigerate their mayo.
Condiments You Need To Refrigerate And Those You Don’t
FAQ
Is there a mayonnaise that doesn’t need refrigeration?
Does Hellman’s mayo need to be refrigerated?
Does all mayonnaise need to be refrigerated?
Does Blue Plate mayo need to be refrigerated?
Can Mayo be left unrefrigerated?
And if you see any mold or color changes, or smell any off odors, discard immediately. How Long Can Mayo Be Unrefrigerated? Commercial mayo that has a label that says it can be left unrefrigerated can typically be stored at cool room temperature (72°F or cooler), preferably in a dark place like a cabinet or pantry, for up to two months.
Can mayonnaise be used instead of eggs?
Yes, you can replace eggs with mayonnaise in recipes. You can use 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise for each egg. Mayonnaise is a good substitute for adding moisture to your brownies or other baked goods, as it is made of eggs and oil, which make them soft and moist.
Should mayonnaise be refrigerated?
“Once opened, it is recommended that mayonnaise be refrigerated to maintain quality.” Isabel Maples, a nutritionist and registered dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, adds that since mayonnaise is acidic (thanks to lemon or vinegar), it doesn’t foster bacterial growth as easily. That is, when it’s kept in an airtight container.
Should a jar of Mayo be refrigerated?
However, there are benefits to storing an opened jar of mayo in the fridge. Refrigerating your spread will help prolong its integrity, in some cases up to two months longer after opening. The cool environment can also help maintain that fresh flavor that fans of the condiment expect when adding it to their favorite meals.