Ever had that moment when you toss everything you’ve bought from the grocery store straight into the fridge? Well, we’ve all done it! It feels like the safest option, doesn’t it? Well, not always. As it turns out, some foods aren’t exactly fridge-friendly, and storing them in there might just be doing more harm than good. Today, we’re gonna chat about the whole spectrum of foods you should never refrigerate. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Foods You Should Never Refrigerate and Where to Put Them Instead
Properly storing foods can be a little bit of a fine art. Get it right, and your food stays fresh longer, tastes better, and retains more nutrients. But here’s the kicker: not all foods are keen on the chilly climate inside your refrigerator. Some can actually suffer from it. Let’s take a gander at some of these foods you should never refrigerate.
Tomatoes
What vegetable should not be refrigerated ever? Bet you didn’t see this one coming. Your luscious red tomatoes? Yeah, they don’t like the cold. Fridge temperatures can mess with their flavor and texture. Instead, let them hang out on the countertop, away from direct sunlight.
Onions
What produce does not go in the fridge besides tomatoes? Onions in the fridge are a no-go. They can get soft and moldy in cold and humid conditions. Instead, find a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot for them. But hey, remember to keep ’em separate from potatoes because they can make each other spoil faster.
Potatoes
Speaking of potatoes, they also need to stay out of the fridge. Cold temps can change the starch in potatoes into sugar, which messes with the taste and texture. You should keep them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.
Honey
What foods last longest out of the fridge? It might sound strange, but your honey doesn’t need to chill in the fridge. It’s naturally preserved and doesn’t need refrigeration. Plus, the cold can cause it to crystallize, making it harder to use. Keep it at room temp in the cupboard or on the counter.
Avocados
Avocados are a bit tricky! A ripe avocado can chill in the fridge. But, an unripe one should stay at room temperature. Stashing an unripe avocado in the fridge can halt the ripening process. If your avocado is about to go overripe, it can be ok to put it in the fridge, but until then, leave it in the cupboard.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is another item that shouldn’t be in the fridge. It can get thick and cloudy at refrigerator temperatures. It’s best stored in a cool, dark cupboard.
Bread
Unless you’re gonna eat it quickly, bread doesn’t need to be in the fridge. The cold air actually makes it stale faster! If you have more than you’ll eat quickly, freezing, it is a better bet.
Basil
You know, with basil, it’s a bit of a bummer, but it doesn’t do well in the fridge. It wilts super fast, and get this; it’ll start picking up other smells from the fridge! Not ideal, right? So, you’re better off just letting it hang out on your countertop. Pop it in a cup of water, kinda like you would a bouquet of flowers.
Melons
Alright, moving on to melons. Watermelons, cantaloupes, you name it. Now, these guys should chill out outside the fridge, at least until you cut ’em open. There are studies, actual scientific ones, that say room temp is best for keeping the antioxidants in these fruits intact. Once you’ve sliced them open, though, that’s when you pop them into the fridge.
Garlic
And garlic? It’s a bit of a diva and prefers a cool, dry spot. Absolutely doesn’t want to be in the fridge. The fridge’s humidity can lead to mold, which is no bueno. A well-ventilated pantry is where it’s happiest.
If you’ve been slipping these items into your fridge, don’t sweat it! We all learn something new every day. Now you’re equipped with a bit more know-how to keep your food at its freshest and tastiest.
And remember, if you ever need refrigerator service of any kind, just give us a call at Service Care Appliance Repair.
We have years of experience working on all sorts of appliances, and we’re all about helping you keep yours in tip-top shape for as long as possible. Just being savvy about the foods you should never refrigerate is a big leap in the right direction. And if you’re looking for more fridge tips, check out our guides on why your ice tastes bad, and how to organize your fridge.
