Have you wondered what foods you buy from the grocery store should go right into the fridge and which ones should stay out of the fridge?
Have you had times where you had put certain foods in the fridge and then you had found out the hard way by doing that, your food was ruined? That is because there are 15 foods that need to stay out of the fridge and each one of them is listed below.
#15 – Melons
Melons do not belong in the fridge before they are cut up as the fridge can diminish its nutritional value and flavor. However, once they are cut up then they need to be refrigerated but not for more than 4 days. Melons include canteloupe, honeydew, and watermelon.
#14 – Honey
Honey will easily crystalize if it is put into the fridge and therefore, keeping it at room temperature is ideal in order to keep its naturally sweet and sticky state intact. Honey won’t be any good if it is hardened.
#13 – Potatoes
If potatoes are refrigerated, then that means they will be gritty and sweet, and not have the consistency of normal potatoes. Potatoes need to be stored somewhere dark, cool, and dry, which is not in the fridge. Once they have been cooked and cut up, then they can be placed in foil in the fridge but use it up within a week.
#12 – Coffee
Coffee is not meant to be refrigerated either as it can end up with condensation which will ruin the state of the coffee. Keep it in an airtight container in a room temperature environment.
#11 – Tomatoes
Tomatoes will not taste right if they are placed into the fridge before they have been cut which will become a downer if you were looking forward to having a slice of tomato on your burger. Keep them out in a room temperature setting to ripen naturally. If they become too ripe, then you can make a sauce out of it.
#10 – Onions
Onions make you cry when they are cut up. They also will make you cry if you put them in the fridge because that will cause them to become moldy and mushy and that is not what you want. However, once they have been cut, put them into a Ziploc bag and into the vegetable drawer.
#9 – Hot Sauce
The potency of hot sauce will be diminished if placed into the fridge. Therefore, keep it at room temperature, and it will not go bad as it is preserved by vinegar.
#8 – Garlic
Garlic cloves will not stay preserved in the fridge. In fact, what you will want to do is keep garlic in a container that is ventilated and dry and cool so it maintains its flavor and nutrients. The cloves need to be used up after 10 days of use as well or else they will not be edible.
#7 – Nutella
Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread should not go into the fridge before it is opened at all. It will be too chilled and rock hard otherwise. Therefore, it cannot be used the way it is intended. It is supposed to be smooth and have a creamy texture. Therefore, with it rock solid from being in the fridge, it cannot be used as a spread. It does need to be refrigerated after it is open. But it is important to take it out hours before using it again so it warms up while being in room temperature.
#6 – Bread
Putting bread in the fridge will not just dry it out but it can cause it to become moldy if there are any small holes in the package of the bread. Moisture could get in and become a breeding ground for mold. Keep the bread in a dark pantry that is in room temperature and it will be fresh.
#5 – Nuts
It is best to keep nuts in an airtight container so that the natural oils do not go rancid. Even though the fridge would prevent that from happening as well, it would also reduce the flavor of nuts and make them bland. Additionally, nuts that have shells like walnuts will absorb the smells from the fridge which can alter the taste as well. And it won’t be in a good way.
#4 – Apples
Apples that are fresh do not need to go into the fridge. They can be placed on your counter or in the middle of the table. If they are sliced or they are more than a week old, then they can be put into the fridge so they last longer.
#3 – Avocados
Avocados that are not ripe must stay out in room temperature to ripen. However, if they are cut or they are ripe, then they can be placed in the fridge if you don’t plan on using them for a day or so. When you are putting a sliced avocado in the fridge, be sure to wrap it very well with tinfoil to the point that it is airtight.
#2 – Berries
Berries that are freshly picked can be placed on your kitchen counter in room temperature. However, if you plan to keep them for a few days, then they can go into the fridge to stay fresh for a day or two. But be sure to eat them right away or else they will become soggy and moldy.
#1 – Fruits With Pits
Fruits with pits such as nectarines, plums, peaches, or apricots must ripen in room temperature the same way avocados need to. If you don’t plan to eat them for a few days after they have ripened, then they can be stored in the fridge for a day or two. Be sure to eat them right away though.
If you have been putting any of these foods in the fridge and you have found that they are no good – now you know why! Keep this list handy in your kitchen so you are reminded of which foods to not refridgerate.
