refrigerating

[asiankanye]

Will I need to refrigerate dried foods like krill and dandelion leaves? I've had problems with mold before, so I was just wondering. Also, does anyone know a list of hermit crab foods that need to be refrigerated? Thanks!

[JoeHermits]

For dried foods refrigeration is optional but they will last longer.

Actual refrigeration needs will vary, but generally if you find it in a fridge or freezer, it should stay in the fridge or freezer.


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[wodesorel]

Dried food does stay mould-free for a long time so long as it is kept fully dry. Dandelions can mould if they aren't allowed to fully dry all the way through before packaging, which can take a few days on a dehydrator because of that thick base to the flower.

Nutrition though starts dropping off quickly once something has been dried. If you have the space, storing things in a freezer is the best way to keep it as fresh and nutritious as possible. Freezing is preferred over refrigeration because the humidity is so much lower.

Anything with proteins and fat/oil also doesn't last for very long sitting out, because exposure to oxygen and small amounts of moisture causes things to break down quickly and turn rancid in a couple of months.