14 Foods You Should Kept Out of the Fridge

Many people tend to store most of their food items in the fridge, thinking that it will keep them fresh and safe for longer. However, not all foods benefit from refrigeration and some may even lose their flavor, texture, or nutritional value when kept in the fridge. Here are 16 foods that you should keep out of the fridge and store in a cool, dry, and dark place instead.

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most common foods that people store in the fridge, but they actually lose their taste and texture when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration slows down the ripening process of tomatoes and breaks down their cell walls, making them mushy and bland. Tomatoes also release ethylene gas, which can spoil other fruits and vegetables in the fridge.

To keep tomatoes fresh and flavorful, store them at room temperature on a counter or in a basket. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can speed up the ripening process and cause rotting. If you have overripe tomatoes that you want to use later, you can freeze them whole or chopped in a freezer bag or container.

2. Bananas

Bananas are another fruit that should not be stored in the fridge, as they will turn black and stop ripening. Bananas are tropical fruits that are used to warm and humid climates, so they do not respond well to cold and dry environments. Refrigeration also damages the enzymes in bananas that are responsible for converting starch into sugar, making them hard and tasteless.

To keep bananas fresh and sweet, store them at room temperature on a hook or a stand. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause overripening and browning. If you have ripe bananas that you want to use later, you can peel and slice them and freeze them in a freezer bag or container.

3. Bread

Bread is another food item that people often store in the fridge, thinking that it will prevent mold growth and staleness. However, refrigeration actually accelerates the staling process of bread by causing the moisture in it to crystallize and harden. Bread also absorbs the odors of other foods in the fridge, making it lose its original flavor.

To keep bread fresh and soft, store it in a cool and dry place such as a bread box or a drawer. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and encourage mold growth. If you have sliced bread that you want to use later, you can freeze it in a freezer bag or container.

4. Potatoes

Potatoes are another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as they will lose their texture and flavor when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration causes the starch in potatoes to convert into sugar, making them sweet and gritty. Potatoes also develop a green color when exposed to light, which indicates the presence of solanine, a toxic compound that can cause nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.

To keep potatoes fresh and firm, store them in a cool and dark place such as a pantry or a cupboard. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and encourage sprouting. If you have peeled or cut potatoes that you want to use later, you can soak them in water with some lemon juice or vinegar to prevent browning.

5. Onions

Onions are another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as they will lose their crispness and flavor when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration also causes onions to become soft and mushy, making them difficult to chop and cook. Onions also release a strong odor that can contaminate other foods in the fridge.

To keep onions fresh and crunchy, store them in a cool and dry place such as a mesh bag or a basket. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause sprouting and rotting. If you have peeled or chopped onions that you want to use later, you can freeze them in a freezer bag or container.

6. Garlic

Garlic is another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as it will lose its aroma and flavor when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration also causes garlic to sprout green shoots, which are bitter and unpleasant to eat. Garlic also releases a strong odor that can permeate other foods in the fridge.

To keep garlic fresh and pungent, store it in a cool and dry place such as a paper bag or a jar. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause sprouting and rotting. If you have peeled or minced garlic that you want to use later, you can freeze it in a freezer bag or container.

7. Honey

Honey is another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as it will crystallize and harden when exposed to cold temperatures. Honey is a natural preservative that does not spoil easily, so it does not need refrigeration to keep it fresh and safe. Honey also becomes difficult to scoop and spread when it is cold and solid.

To keep honey fresh and smooth, store it in a cool and dry place such as a pantry or a cupboard. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause fermentation and discoloration. If your honey has crystallized, you can restore its liquid state by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water and stirring it gently.

8. Coffee

Coffee is another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as it will lose its flavor and aroma when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration also causes coffee to absorb the moisture and odors of other foods in the fridge, making it stale and bitter. Coffee also releases carbon dioxide gas, which can affect the freshness and quality of other foods in the fridge.

To keep coffee fresh and fragrant, store it in a cool and dry place such as an airtight container or a tin. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause oxidation and deterioration. If you have ground coffee or coffee beans that you want to use later, you can freeze them in a freezer bag or container.

9. Basil

Basil is another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as it will wilt and turn black when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration also causes basil to lose its flavor and aroma, making it bland and tasteless. Basil also releases ethylene gas, which can spoil other fruits and vegetables in the fridge.

To keep basil fresh and green, store it in a glass of water on a counter or a windowsill. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause wilting and browning. If you have chopped or dried basil that you want to use later, you can freeze it in a freezer bag or container.

10. Avocado

Avocado is another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as it will stop ripening and remain hard when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration also causes avocado to lose its flavor and texture, making it bland and rubbery. Avocado also releases ethylene gas, which can spoil other fruits and vegetables in the fridge.

To keep avocado fresh and creamy, store it at room temperature on a counter or in a basket. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause overripening and bruising. If you have ripe avocado that you want to use later, you can refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it in a freezer bag or container.

11. Olive Oil

Olive oil is another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as it will solidify and become cloudy when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration also causes olive oil to lose its flavor and aroma, making it dull and rancid. Olive oil also becomes difficult to pour and measure when it is cold and thick.

To keep olive oil fresh and clear, store it in a cool and dark place such as a pantry or a cupboard. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause oxidation and spoilage. If your olive oil has solidified, you can restore its liquid state by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

12. Chocolate

Chocolate is another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as it will develop a white coating called bloom when exposed to cold temperatures. Bloom is caused by the separation of cocoa butter from the chocolate, which affects the appearance and texture of the chocolate. Bloom does not make the chocolate unsafe to eat, but it reduces its quality and taste.

To keep chocolate fresh and smooth, store it in a cool and dry place such as an airtight container or a tin. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause melting and discoloration. If you have chocolate that you want to use later, you can freeze it in a freezer bag or container.

13. Nuts

Nuts are another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as they will lose their crunchiness and flavor when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration also causes nuts to absorb the moisture and odors of other foods in the fridge, making them soggy and stale. Nuts also release oils that can go rancid when stored in the fridge.

To keep nuts fresh and crispy, store them in a cool and dry place such as an airtight container or a jar. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause oxidation and spoilage. If you have shelled or chopped nuts that you want to use later, you can freeze them in a freezer bag or container.

14. Apples

Apples are another food item that should not be stored in the fridge, as they will lose their crispness and flavor when exposed to cold temperatures. Refrigeration also causes apples to release ethylene gas faster, which can spoil other fruits and vegetables in the fridge. Apples also become me

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