It’s easy to throw most foods in the fridge, as they’re simple to store in there, and it keeps them fresher for longer. Or so we think. In reality, some foods are better off at room temperature, and here are a few items you might want to actually keep out of the fridge for optimal freshness.
Bananas
One fruit that should never be kept in the fridge is bananas. This is supported by The Guardian, which writes, “Bananas grow in hot climates, so they are unused to the cold. If they’re kept at a cold temperature, the enzymes that enable them to ripen are inhibited.”
Tomatoes
If you want the best-tasting tomatoes, then you should keep them out of the fridge. Tomatoes stored in the fridge may have reduced levels of flavor, and their texture can change. Even though it gives them a shorter shelf life, they’ll be far more enjoyable when stored at room temperature.
Bread
Refrigeration accelerates the staling process of bread, but it doesn’t reduce it as many believe. You should leave bread at room temperature and then eat it within a few days for the best flavor. If you need to store it for longer, then freeze it, grab a slice as and when needed, and just defrost it.
Onions
By keeping onions in the fridge, it adds extra moisture to them, which can cause them to become mushy and moldy. Onions should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a kitchen cupboard. Also, keep them away from potatoes, as this can cause premature spoilage.
Garlic
Storing garlic in the fridge can cause it to become moldy and start sprouting. Try to keep it in a dry area with good air circulation. This can include keeping it in mesh bags or loose, woven baskets. If you store garlic correctly, it can last for months at a time.
Potatoes
Keeping potatoes in the fridge can affect their starch levels. For example, Healthline writes, “Raw potatoes shouldn’t be kept in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures increase the amounts of reducing sugars and make them more carcinogenic when fried or roasted.” Try to keep them in a cool, dark place for the best quality.
Honey
If honey is kept in the fridge, it can start to crystalize and harden, which doesn’t make it easy to use. It’s best kept in a cool, dry place and in a tightly sealed container away from any sunlight. As it has natural preservatives, you don’t have to worry about it going stale when kept out of the fridge.
Oil (Olive & Vegetable)
When oil is stored in the fridge, it can solidify, which basically makes it unusable. Oils should always be kept in a pantry cupboard, as they’re cool and dark, which is where they can maintain their quality. Oil is another food that has a long shelf life, so it doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Avocados
It’s a common misconception that avocados should always be kept in the fridge. It can actually stop them from ripening properly and should instead be kept at room temperature to ripen evenly. As soon as they’re ripe, avocados can then be kept in the fridge.
Peaches and Apricots
Stone fruits, such as peaches and apricots, ripen better when they’re kept at room temperature. It also helps to develop their flavor and give them a much richer taste. You can store peaches and apricots in the fridge after they’ve ripened to keep them fresh.
Citrus Fruits
Stop Food Waste writes, “Oranges and other citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits can be stored short-term (up to one week) at room temperature. To prolong the shelf life (up to 3–4 weeks) of citrus fruits, keep them in a bag in the refrigerator.” These fruits are best enjoyed at room temperature, as it keeps them juicy.
Squashes (Winter Varieties like Butternut)
If you want your squashes to have a longer shelf life and taste better, then you should keep them at room temperature. Store them in a cool, dry place, as this will prevent any squash from becoming mushy. Any cold temperature will damage the texture and flavor of squash.
Melons
Melons should only be stored in the fridge after they’ve been cut. This means whole melons should be stored at room temperature. Refrigerating melons once they’ve been cut will keep them fresh and stop any bacteria from growing. Keep whole melons in a cool and dry place to let them ripen.
Nuts
If nuts are stored in the fridge, they can lose their natural flavors. They should be kept in an airtight container for the best freshness and then stored in a pantry. If nuts are stored correctly, they can have a long shelf life and stay full of flavor.
Coffee
Keeping coffee in the refrigerator can cause it to lose its moisture and flavor. The best way to store coffee is in an airtight container and at room temperature. Try to keep it away from direct sunlight as a way to maximize its shelf life and flavor.
Chocolate
Business Insider tells us, “Chocolate should always be stored in a slightly cool, dry, dark place such as [a] cupboard or pantry at temperatures less than 21°C (69.8°F) to ensure the quality isn’t compromised.” If it’s refrigerated for too long, then it can cause the separation of fat and sugar.
Ketchup
There’s always been a debate over how ketchup should be stored. If the bottle is unopened, it’s best to keep it in the pantry. Ketchup should only be stored in the fridge if it’s been opened, as this can help keep it fresher.
