If we talk about the most common mistake when using a refrigerator, we will immediately think of the belief that the refrigerator is “versatile”, where everything can be stored. Or not tightly wrapping food, keeping raw and cooked items close together…
On the contrary, there are also many people who do not know how to make the most of their refrigerator. There are certain foods that should be put in the refrigerator to stay fresh and delicious for longer, but they are kept outside at room temperature. The most common examples are the following 5 foods:
1. Lemons
It is not difficult to see lemons sitting on the kitchen counter or somewhere in the kitchen with the intention of deodorizing and adding beauty. Many people think that lemons last a long time, even when the skin changes color and dries out when left out for a long time, it does not affect the water inside the lemon. Others believe that lemons in the refrigerator are prone to bitterness and can easily get dirty from other foods, especially oily dishes. Therefore, it is inconvenient when you need to use them.
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The truth is, you should store lemons in the refrigerator if you want them to look beautiful, stay fresh, and not affect the taste when used. For the refrigerator compartment, rinse the lemons and let them dry, then place them in a sealed plastic bag or a plastic container, wrapped in newspaper. This method helps the lemons stay fresh, with the water inside remaining unaffected since the skin is not in direct contact. This is an effective way of preserving lemons at home.
As for the freezer compartment, do not put the whole lemon in it. Soak the lemons in saltwater, squeeze out the water, and then place them on an ice tray, taking out the desired amount when needed. Note that you should use a food wrap to cover the skin when squeezing by hand or using a juicer, or peel the lemons if using a slow juicer so that the lemon juice does not turn bitter.
2. Nuts and natural nut butters
With nuts, most people keep them in a box at room temperature. Some people think that nuts stored in the refrigerator are more susceptible to moisture and mold due to the higher humidity in the environment, but this is a misconception.
It is true that if nuts are kept in a sealed box on the kitchen shelf or cabinet, it is very convenient to take them, but their shelf life is shorter than if they were stored in the refrigerator. Nuts themselves can also be affected by the high temperature from the external environment, especially if you place them near the stove, causing them to deteriorate, lose their flavor, or change color and odor.
Instead, allocate a space in the refrigerator, preferably away from heat sources, to store nuts. They can retain their color and delicious aroma for at least 2 months up to half a year if you wrap them tightly and maintain good hygiene. The refrigerator compartment prevents the oils in the nuts from becoming rancid over time.
The same applies to natural nut butters, such as organic peanut butter, which should be stored in the refrigerator after opening, as the oils in the nuts tend to develop a rancid and greasy odor.
3. Ketchup, soy sauce, and condiments
When you go to restaurants, you often see ketchup, soy sauce, and most condiments placed on the dining table or right on the kitchen counter. This is because it is convenient for customers and chefs, and they are used frequently and need to be replaced regularly. It also creates a professional and visually pleasing appearance.
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However, at home, we should not do the same. Instead, place condiments, especially soy sauce or ketchup, in the refrigerator if you want them to retain their delicious flavor and have a longer shelf life.
Experts point out that ketchup can spoil if left at room temperature for a month after opening. The same applies to soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other synthetic seasoning sauces. Although high salt content helps preserve these condiments when stored at room temperature, if not kept in the refrigerator, they will lose their original flavor. Moreover, since they are in paste or liquid form, they are susceptible to bacterial attacks when stored in an external environment.
4. Sweet corn
Very few people have the habit of storing sweet corn in the refrigerator. Simply because they think the low temperature can change the taste of this wonderful food, and it can also make the corn kernels harder. Some people also believe that sweet corn spoils quickly, so they should only buy as much as they need. If they do not finish the corn, they usually leave it outside at room temperature. The same goes for cooked sweet corn, as many believe that putting it in the refrigerator will make it firmer and less tasty.
In reality, nutritionists suggest that sweet corn is a food that is very suitable for refrigeration. It helps maintain the sweetness, texture, and moisture of the corn. If you keep some of the husks and wrap each corn with plastic wrap, they can stay fresh for up to a week in the freezer. Otherwise, immerse the corn kernels in diluted saltwater, drain the water, and place them in a container in the freezer.
For cooked sweet corn, the best way is to wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you want to eat it, thaw and reheat it, and the taste will be almost unchanged.
5. Cereals and whole wheat flour
Those who prefer oatmeal or whole grain cereals and whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose white flour should find space for their flour in the refrigerator.
According to experts, whole grain cereals and whole wheat flour contain bran, germ, and endosperm. Bran and germ are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and healthy fats, but they tend to deteriorate quickly over time, especially if the environment is too hot. However, most people often store them outside, which is not enough. They may also be prone to mold or be attacked by insects, bacteria due to their attractive and nutrient-rich nature.
Instead, place the grains and whole wheat flour in the refrigerator after ensuring that the container is tightly sealed. Not only will they last longer, but they will also taste better every time you use them. Moreover, this also prevents them from becoming moldy or being attacked by insects, bacteria due to their attractive aroma and nutrient-rich nature.
On the other hand, all-purpose flour does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. Not only is it unnecessary, but it can also make the flour moist due to its different texture compared to the two mentioned above.
According to PNVN
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