Do some or all mayonnaise packets have to be refrigerated? I have a recipe for a dehydrated pasta salad that calls for adding a packet of mayo at serving time, and realized that all the packets I've gotten on airlines have been refrigerated, so now I'm confused. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Where is a good source for these in small quantities? (I'm also not much of a fast food person anymore, so don't know what places have them), preferably ones that don't need refrigerating.
As you can see from the rows of jars in the supermarket and the bins of packets in the fast food stops, mayo does not require refrigeration...until the package is opened.
FB
_________________________
"...inalienable rights...include the right to a clean and healthful environment..." Montana Constitution
However, we are used to keeping it in the fridge, and warm mayonnaise does look different than cold, and we're all mor eor less collectively trained to believe that mayo that is more gold is spoiled. As a culture we seem to prefer cold mayo, or be afraid of warm mayo, hence the reason it is often served chilled, even though there is no real need for it.
MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.
But based on personal experience, mayo packets do have a shelf life of something around a year. After that, the packaging degrades and the contents start to leak. Heat seems to exacerbate this decomposition process.
In fact, just about everything that is packaged in those single-serving packs seems to have about a one year shelf life at room temperature. I'm keeping the stuff in the fridge to extend that shelf life. So far, so good.
As you can see from the rows of jars in the supermarket and the bins of packets in the fast food stops, mayo does not require refrigeration...until the package is opened.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> (bangs head on desk) Yeah, I'm not quite sure why that didn't occur to me - doh! I guess it's just that I've always seen them packaged in with things that are refrigerated...
Affirmative Nity...I had a whole box of mayo packets from Costco blow up on me after being stored in the garage for a while. They went in the trash... bacterial contamination is one thing, decomposition another. As long as the packets are relatively fresh, they will be fine.
MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.
Those would make nice .22 cal targets <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> or air rifle targets <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Would'nt want to frighten the neigbors now <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
However, we are used to keeping it in the fridge, and warm mayonnaise does look different than cold, and we're all mor eor less collectively trained to believe that mayo that is more gold is spoiled. As a culture we seem to prefer cold mayo, or be afraid of warm mayo, hence the reason it is often served chilled, even though there is no real need for it.
MNS
Just looking at my jar of mayo in the fridge, it says "Refrigerate after opening, do not freeze.". While it may not be required, most people are apt to follow the instructions on the jar itself.
Aside from the spoilage myth, does refrigeration of mayo (after opening) extend its lifetime?
Refrigerated mayo will stay more fresh and will last longer. Since commercial mayo is oil-based, my guess is that it could go rancid much more quickly, especially if the cupboard is warm. Also, food particles left in the mayo can go bad, so you'd have to practice extreme caution when using utensils. I'll still keep my mayo in the fridge, but I won't worry about mayo packets or occassionally forgetting to put the mayo back in the fridge.
MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.
Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 1228
Loc: Eastern MA, USA
I've been perusing some "prepper sites," looking for ideas about boondocking with minimal pretty much everything. Backpacking experience should be super helpful there.
So,some preppers list foods that don't absolutely require refrigeration. Mayo is among them,with a few caveats. As others point out, introduced foreign particles can spoil. Preppers say to use a clean utensil to remove the mayo from the jar. For my purposes, purchasing in small containers should be helpful, as may be squeeze containers. If I'm on a trail, I do think packets are the way to go.
Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 1228
Loc: Eastern MA, USA
EVERYTHING deteriorates wth time for one reason or another. Refrigeration and limiting contamination slows it down. The vinegar in mayo inhibits bacterial growth. Put them together and we should have some leeway with many products. If we are talking homemade mayo, I wouldn't risk non refrigeration.
Still, on the trail packets are the way to go for many reasons.
Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 1228
Loc: Eastern MA, USA
Unless the packets are marked keep refrigerated, they probably don't require it. The airline may have kept the mayo packets refrigerated as a convenience.
Before every trip I stop by a convenient store we have here in Ohio called UDF. They have good mustard, Mayo and onions in little pouches. My local Krogers also has a rack or good peppercorn ranch, avocado mayo, Gulden mustard, etc. Buy and sandwich and grab a bunch of condiment packs. Oh yea, in Ohio we have Skyline Chili and get a bunch of their hot sauce packs ;^)
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!