"Ian Hoare" > wrote in message
...

>
> Don't agree at all. Sorry. My big (1 l.) bottles are kept in the cupboard
> above the sink without noticeable change over 6 months >1 year. The
plasitc
> 5 litre containers from which I refill them last 3 years in a cellar.
>

Is is that there is not noticeable change or that you do not notice a
change? Just out of curiousity, have you ever bought a new (smaller) bottle
after 6 months to a year and done a side-by-side taste test? That is really
the only way to tell if there has been a change, especially if you are using
it regularly (reasonably so).

Regardless, this has been a constant source of discussion on rfc. A little
while ago, someone finally wrote to Kikkoman and this was their reply (to
see the original post, go to http://tinyurl.com/pp5u ):

---begin paste---
We received your e-mail regarding Kikkoman Soy Sauce. You wanted to know
if
and why our soy sauce "needs to be refrigerated." We always welcome any
questions our consumers may have.

The reason we recommend on our product labels to "refrigerate after
opening" is because once opened, the freshness and flavor of the sauce will
slowly deteriorate. By refrigerating our sauces, we believe the flavor and
quality characteristics will remain at their peak for a longer period.
However, our sauces will not spoil if they are not refrigerated but their
quality will decline faster.

We hope this answers your question. We will be sending you a set of
recipe materials for your cooking enjoyment. If we can be of further
assistance, please let us know.


Sincerely,
KIKKOMAN INTERNATIONAL INC.
Consumer Services

---end paste---

>
> I have french friends who keep eggs in the fridge, doesn't make them
right.

Well, if you'd like to write to Kikkoman and tell them they are wrong,
please do so and post their reply. I'd be interested in reading it.

I'm wondering, though, if the deterioration of flavour depends on the type
of soy sauces. Would lighter ones (which to me would include most Japanese
soy sauces) deteriorate more quickly than heavy or sweet ones?

rona
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