Keep These Foods Out of the Cold
Properly storing food is important if you want it to last. Believe it or not, the easiest way to spoil some fresh foods is to put them right in the fridge.
Contrary to popular belief, many foods are actually better left kept on the counter. From fruits and vegetables to soy sauce and hot sauce, here’s 23 foods you should not refrigerate.
Tomatoes
Storing your tomatoes at room temperature will keep them juicy and full of flavor.
Placing slightly green tomatoes on your windowsill to ripen with the sun will allow you to enjoy them as soon as they’re ready—providing optimal flavor and texture.
Potatoes
Storing potatoes in a paper bag at room temperature will preserve their texture and flavor. Refrigerating them can actually make them gritty and overly sweet due to moisture.
Onions
Onions are more prone to mold when they are exposed to excess moisture—like in the fridge.
It’s best to store onions in a cool and dry place, and separate from your potatoes.
Pickles
The best thing about pickles—aside from their strong flavor—is their preservation. They can be stored in the pantry, freeing up space in your fridge.
However, if you’re using store-bought pickles, be sure to check the jar for any refrigeration requirements.
Cucumbers
Storing cucumbers in the fridge can actually cause them to become watery and develop pits. They can also go moldy quicker, especially if you’ve already cut a chunk off and then put the rest in the fridge.
Storing cucumbers in an airtight container in your pantry is recommended.
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Bell Peppers
Bell peppers should be stored at room temperature for optimal crispiness. Storing them in the fridge can cause them to go wilty and soft rather quickly.
Avocados
Avocados will ripen quicker when stored on the counter than in the fridge. Room temperature is ideal for keeping a softer texture as well.
Winter Squash
Winter squashes—such as butternut and acorn—are best kept in a cool, dry place, out of the refrigerator.
Apples
While many people believe apples will last longer in the fridge, they will actually remain fresh and delicious for up to a week or two on the counter.
After that, however, put them in the fridge to preserve their quality a little bit longer.
Bananas
Bananas will go brown very fast if put in the fridge. They require room temperature, but still should be consumed within a few days after purchase are they will brown quickly.
The best places to store bananas include an open counter, the pantry, or on a dedicated banana hook.
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Berries
Berries will last longer when kept at room temperature. The fridge poses the risk of moisture build-up, which then causes mold inside the berry’s small crevices.
It’s also suggested that you do not wash them until you’re ready to eat them. This will maintain texture and flavor, and keeps them ripe for longer.
Melon
Whole melons should be kept at room temperature. Once they’ve been sliced, the pieces can be refrigerated to maintain optimal freshness.
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Fresh Bread
Fresh bread should not be refrigerated. Instead, leave it uncovered at room temperature—as long as you are going to finish it by the end of the day.
If not, storing it in a bread box or paper sack will do, or it can be frozen for later.
Coffee
Coffee grounds and beans should not be refrigerated. Simply store them in a cool, dry place at room temperature, and in an airtight container.
Chocolate
While many people love cold chocolate, storing it in the fridge or freezer can cause it to lose flavor over time.
Instead, store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
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Honey
Storing honey in the fridge can cause it to go hard and lumpy. If you prefer smooth and gooey honey, keep it at room temperature.
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Garlic
Storing fresh garlic bulbs in the fridge can affect their texture. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cellar—separate from your cooking space.
Hot Sauce
Unless otherwise specified on the label, hot sauce should be kept at room temperature to preserve the rich flavor and intense heat.
Nuts
Storing nuts in an airtight container at room temperature will preserve the flavor and the texture. The moisture inside the fridge can cause them to go soft.
Olive Oil
Olive oil will solidify when stored in the fridge. Instead, store it in a cool and dark area of your kitchen.
Peanut Butter
Some people prefer cold peanut butter, but it maintains its spreadable consistency better when stored at room temperature. In fact, it can last as long as three months in the pantry—after that, refrigeration is recommended.
Vinegar
Vinegar’s high acidity levels prefer room temperature storage. This will also help preserve flavor and intensity.
Soy Sauce
Much like hot sauce, soy sauce should also be stored in a cabinet—where it can safely stay for up to one year, thanks to its fermentation process.
However, be sure to check the label first as every product is unique.
