When it comes to fruits, vegetables and other groceries, our first instinct may be to put everything in the fridge to try and keep it fresh as long as possible. Although there are some foods you should always refrigerate, such as carrots, berries, and most cheeses. This is not a universal rule. It turns out that the cold temperature and humidity of the refrigerator can have a negative effect on certain fresh products.
Your pantry shelf just might provide the perfect atmosphere for your groceries. So don’t always be tempted to open the refrigerator door. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of these foods and understand why they shouldn’t be stored in the fridge.
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Tomatoes :
In cool temperatures, tomatoes tend to lose their flavor. The reason for this is that tomatoes continue to ripen even after being picked. Thus, they can be used throughout their shelf life. The cold refrigerator temperature interferes with the ripening process and eventually kills their flavor. It should also be kept in mind that the cold temperature destroys the round and smooth texture of the tomato and gives it a wrinkled appearance. Again, it is the cold temperature that breaks down the membranes of the tomato’s skin and gives it that wrinkled appearance.
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Basil :
Basil is used to prepare a ton of varied delicacies. From making a mint drink to spicing up a meal, basil can be used in many different ways. However, this green vegetable has a short shelf life. This is the only drawback which makes it possible not to obtain a large quantity of it so as not to throw it away after a few days. Add to that, keeping basil leaves in a cold refrigerator temperature causes them to lose their water content. Worse still, basil tends to absorb odors from foods it is stored with in the refrigerator. To improve shelf life, it is recommended to store basil leaves in a cup of hot water.
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Potatoes :
The average shelf life of a potato is three to five weeks. This number drops dramatically as soon as you put your potatoes in the fridge. The cold temperature not only changes the flavor of the potatoes, but also causes their starch to disappear. Storing potatoes at room temperature in large quantities is the most effective way to increase their shelf life.
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The bread :
A common misconception is that you keep your opened package of bread in the refrigerator to protect the loaf from any fungal growth. It is quite the opposite that must be done. The longer you keep your bread out of the fridge, the softer it will stay. The cold temperature of the refrigerator gives a bad taste to the bread and makes its texture brittle. By storing the bread at room temperature, you can enjoy it for at least 3-4 days.
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Onions :
Onion is another vegetable that needs fresh air. The reason why people tend to store onions in the refrigerator, especially in summer. So in winter, onions can last up to six months. However, in addition to leaving an onion smell in your refrigerator, they tend to dry out quickly in cool temperatures.
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Honey :
Honey is said to have self-preserving properties. Honey doesn’t spoil, so it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. This allows this natural sweetener to be stored anywhere, or preferably kept in a glass bottle in a cool, dry place. On the other hand, if you attempt to store honey in the refrigerator, you will immediately begin to notice that the honey has crystallized. Just as its consistency was also affected.
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Coffee :
Coffee beans lose their flavor if stored in the refrigerator. Instead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you must refrigerate them, be sure to take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature before grinding and steeping them.
To note :
The fridge can help you store a lot of items that can last much longer in cold temperatures. But that doesn’t mean you have to put all your items in the fridge. Knowing what to store at room temperature and what to put in the fridge will save you a lot of money and keep your vegetables as fresh as day one.
