Food & Receipts

5 Foods You Should Never Store in the Fridge, Number 3 May Surprise You!

Many homemakers consider the refrigerator a versatile storage appliance, believing it can preserve any food item. However, they may be unaware that certain foods and beverages are not suitable for refrigeration and may even spoil faster in these conditions.

Administrator

26 July, 2024

1. Eggs

While it’s common to keep eggs in the refrigerator, it’s not always the best idea. Egg shells have a protective coating that helps retain moisture and prevents bacterial contamination. When stored in the fridge, eggs can absorb odors from other foods, reducing their shelf life. Instead, keep eggs in a cool, dry place outside the fridge.

2. Potatoes

Potatoes contain starch, which can break down and spoil when stored in the refrigerator. They may also turn a darker color and lose their flavor. It’s best to keep potatoes in a cool, dry, and slightly warmer place.

3. Onions and Garlic

Storing onions and garlic in the fridge is a common practice, but it can actually cause them to spoil faster. The cold, humid environment can break down the cell structure of these vegetables, making them more prone to rot. Additionally, onions and garlic have strong odors that can affect other foods in the fridge. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight.

4. Tropical Fruits

Tropical fruits like bananas, lychees, and mangoes are popular during the summer months. However, storing them in the fridge is not ideal. These fruits thrive in warm and dry conditions. The cold temperature of the fridge can cause the skins to turn dark and affect the flavor and nutritional value of the fruit. It’s best to keep these fruits in a cool, well-ventilated area and consume them within a few days.

5. Bread

Storing bread in the fridge can make it stale and dry. Instead, keep bread at room temperature in a sealed bag to maintain its softness and taste.

Knowing how to properly store different types of food can help you make the most of your groceries. Efficient use of your refrigerator will save you time, money, and ensure your food stays fresher for longer. Be mindful of where you store your food and avoid common mistakes to keep your fridge clean and your food fresh.

Frequently asked questions

Tomatoes will lose their flavor and texture if stored in the fridge. Storing them at room temperature will keep them juicy and tasty.

Onions, when stored in the fridge, will become soft and moldy. It’s best to keep them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or a basket in the kitchen.

Bread should not be stored in the refrigerator as it will become stale and dry. Instead, keep it at room temperature in a bread bin or a sealed container to maintain its freshness.

Honey has natural antibacterial properties and does not spoil, so there is no need to store it in the fridge. It will crystallize and become hard over time, but this can be reversed by placing the honey in warm water.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes should not be stored in the fridge as they can become dry and lose their flavor. Keep them at room temperature in a fruit bowl or a ventilated container.