What’s in your fridge? The refrigerator is a vital food storage spot in the home, but sometimes, things end up tucked in there that shouldn’t be. Some common items can actually lose their flavor, texture, and nutritional value or get damaged if they’re kept at too low of a temperature.
On the other hand, certain foods absolutely need refrigeration to stay safe and tasty. Whether you’re trying to organize your fridge or just want to make sure your food stays in peak condition, knowing what goes in and what stays out can make all the difference.
Here are some surprising items you should never refrigerate and a couple that truly benefit from being kept cool, starting with the items that should stay out.
1. Potatoes
Storing potatoes in the fridge is a common mistake that can lead to a gritty texture and a sweeter taste. The cold temperature of the refrigerator converts the starches in potatoes into sugars more rapidly than desired, affecting their flavor and consistency. Instead, keep potatoes in a cool, dark place like a pantry or a cellar to help them stay fresh.
Refrigeration can also cause the skin of the potatoes to darken and develop small patches. To prevent premature sprouting and spoilage, it’s best to store potatoes in a breathable bag or container that allows air circulation.
2. Honey
Refrigerating honey is unnecessary and actually counterproductive. The cold temperatures cause honey to crystallize and harden, making it difficult to spread or pour. Honey is naturally resistant to bacteria and spoilage, thanks to its low water content and high acidity, so it can safely be stored at room temperature for long periods.
For optimal storage, keep honey in a tightly sealed jar in a dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its smooth consistency and natural flavors. Additionally, if your honey does crystallize, you can easily re-liquefy it by placing the jar in warm water until the crystals dissolve.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes lose their flavor and become mealy when stored in the fridge. The cold temperature halts the ripening process and can ruin the texture. To keep tomatoes at their best, store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, allowing them to reach full ripeness and develop their rich, sweet flavor.
Once tomatoes are fully ripe, they have a limited shelf life. If you need to store them for an extended period, place them in a cooler spot, but avoid the refrigerator. This method will help extend their freshness without compromising their taste and texture.
4. Coffee
The cold, moist environment of the fridge is not suitable for storing coffee beans or grounds. Coffee is incredibly porous and can easily absorb odors and moisture from other foods in the fridge, affecting its flavor. Condensation can form on coffee beans when taken out of the fridge, creating a bitter taste due to improper storage.
To keep your coffee fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Whole beans can last up to two weeks, while ground coffee stays fresh for only a week.
5. Whole Onions
Onions need ventilation and a cool, dry environment to stay fresh, making the cold temperatures of the fridge unsuitable for storing them. The moisture in the fridge can cause onions to rot or sprout prematurely. Keep them in a cool, dark place with good airflow such as a pantry or countertop.
If you have cut onions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing them in an airtight container. This method will help prevent odors from spreading and keep your fridge smelling fresh.
6. Raw Avocados
Avocados are best stored at room temperature until they are ripe. The cold temperature of the fridge can delay the ripening process and lead to a bland, rubbery texture. Once an avocado is fully ripe, it can be stored in the fridge for up to two days before it starts to spoil.
To speed up the ripening process, you can store avocados in a paper bag at room temperature or place them next to other fruits like apples or bananas that emit ethylene gas, which promotes ripening. Once cut, keep avocados in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before storing them in the refrigerator.
7. Bread
Bread goes stale faster in the refrigerator because the cold temperature speeds up the recrystallization of starches. It’s best to store bread at room temperature in a bread box or a plastic bag with a loose seal to keep it fresh and soft. Freezing bread, however, is a good option if you want to keep it for an extended period, as it helps preserve its quality.
When you’re ready to use frozen bread, simply let it defrost at room temperature or lightly toast it for a quick revival. This way, you can enjoy bread’s optimal taste and texture without the adverse effects of refrigeration.
8. Batteries
Storing batteries in the fridge is a myth that needs debunking. While it’s true that very high temperatures can reduce battery life, the refrigerator’s humidity can cause condensation and damage, leading to corrosion or short circuits. Batteries last longest when stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
For best results, keep batteries in their original packaging or a plastic container to avoid direct contact with metallic objects. This storage method will help maintain their charge and ensure they are ready for use when needed.
9. Whole Garlic
Garlic is best stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, such as a pantry or cupboard. When stored properly, whole bulbs of garlic can last several months without sprouting or becoming soft. It’s important to keep garlic away from moisture to prevent mold growth and from direct sunlight, which can cause it to sprout.
If you have peeled or chopped garlic, it should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and used within a week to maintain its potency and prevent spoilage. For long-term storage, garlic can also be frozen. Simply chop the garlic, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze.
10. Stone Fruits
Stone fruits, which include peaches, plums, cherries, and apricots, are best enjoyed at room temperature. Refrigerating stone fruits can disrupt their ripening process and affect their juicy and sweet flavors. To achieve optimal taste and texture, store these fruits at room temperature until they are ripe.
If you have an abundance of ripe stone fruits and can’t use them all at once, consider freezing them. Simply slice the fruits, remove the pits, and place the pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag. This method will help you enjoy their delicious taste even long after their season has passed.
Things that Definitely Do Belong in the Fridge
On the flip side, there are a few things that absolutely must stay in the fridge if you want to preserve their freshness and minimize food safety concerns. Next time you pick these items up from the grocery, make sure they promptly find a spot in your refrigerator.
1. Milk
Milk should always be kept in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth. The cold temperature slows down the activity of lactic acid bacteria, which can cause milk to sour quickly if left at room temperature. Storing milk on a middle or lower shelf rather than in the door helps keep it at a consistent temperature, as the door is more susceptible to temperature fluctuations.
Always ensure the milk container is sealed properly to avoid contamination and the absorption of odors from other foods. Keeping milk in the fridge also helps retain its essential nutrients, ensuring you enjoy a healthy and safe product for your daily intake.
2. Cheese
Cheese must be stored in the refrigerator to preserve its quality and prevent mold growth. Different types of cheese require specific storage conditions- for example, hard cheeses like cheddar can be wrapped in wax paper and then placed in a plastic bag, while soft cheeses like brie should be stored in their original packaging or a dedicated cheese container to maintain moisture and prevent contamination.
It’s important to keep the cheese at a stable, cool temperature to slow down bacterial activity and enzyme processes that can spoil the cheese. By refrigerating cheese, you extend its shelf life and preserve its distinct flavors and textures, allowing you to enjoy it at its best.
3. Fresh Meat
Fresh meat needs to be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. It’s essential to store meat at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, as higher temperatures can lead to the multiplication of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Keep meat in its original packaging if you plan to use it within a few days, or transfer it to an airtight container for longer storage.
When storing fresh meat, place it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to avoid cross-contamination with other foods. Proper refrigeration not only ensures the safety and quality of your meat but also helps maintain its texture and flavor until you’re ready to cook it.
4. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob should be stored in the refrigerator with its husks intact to maintain its sweetness and juiciness. The cold temperature slows down the conversion of sugars to starch, preserving the corn’s natural sweetness. To further protect the corn, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag before refrigerating.
Refrigerating corn on the cob also helps retain its nutrients and prevents the kernels from drying out. If you plan to store corn for more than a few days, consider blanching and freezing it, as this method ensures the best preservation of flavor and texture over a longer period.
5. Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour should be kept in the refrigerator to prevent the oils in the wheat germ from becoming rancid. Unlike white flour, whole wheat flour contains more natural oils that can spoil quickly if stored at room temperature, especially in warm or humid conditions.
Store whole wheat flour in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and odors. This storage method ensures that the flour retains its nutrient content and flavor, which is crucial for baking wholesome, delicious bread and other baked goods.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
