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5 Foods That Spoil Faster Than You Think When Stored in the Fridge

You may not be aware that storing bananas in the refrigerator causes them to turn brown and lose their quality.

26 July, 2024

Foods You Shouldn’t Store in the Refrigerator

Many homemakers view the refrigerator as a versatile food storage solution, believing it can accommodate any food item without worry. However, there are certain foods and beverages that are not suitable for refrigeration and may even spoil faster when stored inside.

While refrigerators maintain low temperatures and effectively preserve food, especially during summers when hot, humid air increases the risk of spoilage, they can also accelerate the deterioration of some foods. Certain items may alter in flavor and lose nutritional value when refrigerated.

Here are five types of food that experts advise storing outside the fridge as they are more susceptible to damage when chilled.

Some Foods Are Best Kept Out of the Fridge

Tropical Fruits

Tropical fruits like bananas, lychees, and mangoes are summer favorites. Often, people buy these in bulk and store them in the fridge, thinking the cold will keep them fresh for longer. However, tropical fruits do not thrive in the cold environment of a refrigerator; they prefer a dry and warm atmosphere.

The low temperature can cause the peels of bananas, lychees, and mangoes to turn black, reducing the quality and nutritional value of the flesh inside. Therefore, it’s best to store these fruits in a cool, dry place indoors and buy only what can be consumed within a few days.

Dried Herbs

Dried herbs like goji berries, jujubes, and floral teas can absorb moisture and quickly develop mold if kept in the fridge. Moreover, the odors from other foods can affect the flavor of these herbs, diminishing their unique characteristics. For optimal storage, keep dried herbs in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Bread and Buns

While low temperatures can extend the shelf life of bread and buns, the refrigerator is not the ideal place to store them. The cold environment can cause the flour in the dough to crystallize and become hard, impacting their taste and texture.

Baked goods can also absorb odors from other foods in the fridge, diminishing their freshness. If you need to store bread or buns for an extended period, wrap them tightly and place them in the freezer instead.

Low temperatures may extend the shelf life of bread and buns, but the fridge is not their ideal home.

Coffee and Tea

Many people store coffee and tea in the refrigerator, but this is not the ideal place for these dry goods. Coffee and tea can be altered by the moist, odorous environment of the fridge.

This may diminish their flavor and encourage mold. Instead, store coffee and tea in a cool, dry place, away from direct light, to preserve their freshness and flavor.

Onions and Garlic

Additionally, onions and garlic have strong odors, and storing them in the fridge may affect the smell and taste of other foods. For long-term storage, keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Frequently asked questions

There are several foods that can spoil quickly if not stored properly. These include eggs, which should be kept in their original carton and discarded after 3-5 weeks; dairy products like milk and yogurt, which typically last 7-10 days beyond the sell-by date; and fresh juices, which should be consumed within a few days of opening.

The rapid spoilage of these foods can be attributed to a variety of factors, including bacteria growth, oxidation, and moisture loss. For example, eggs are porous and can absorb odors and flavors from other foods in the fridge, while dairy products can quickly develop harmful bacteria if not kept at the right temperature.

To keep these foods fresher for longer, it’s important to practice proper storage techniques. Keep eggs in their carton on a shelf in the fridge, not in the door where temperatures fluctuate. Store dairy products in the coldest part of the fridge, and consume fresh juices within a few days, or freeze them for later use.

Yes, certain fruits and vegetables can also spoil faster than expected. For example, berries are highly perishable and should be consumed within a few days, while green onions and herbs can quickly wilt and turn slimy. It’s best to research the optimal storage methods for each type of produce to ensure maximum freshness.

Spoiled eggs will often have a strong sulfur smell and a cloudy or discolored yolk. Dairy products may develop lumps, curdles, or mold, and will have a sour smell or taste. Fresh juices will begin to change color and develop a cloudy appearance, and may also separate, indicating spoilage.