Tips

Do Not Refrigerate These Foods!

Introducing the art of food preservation: While storing food in the fridge is a common practice to prolong freshness, it's important to recognize that not all foods belong there. Believe it or not, items like bread, honey, coffee, and garlic are better off kept elsewhere. Uncover the secrets to optimal food storage and discover a world beyond the confines of your refrigerator.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

1 Bread

Storing bread in the refrigerator accelerates the starch crystallization process, making it hard and susceptible to absorbing moisture from the fridge, resulting in a soft and soggy texture. The unpleasant odors in the fridge can also permeate the bread, creating an unfavorable environment for bacterial growth, which can have adverse effects on your health.

Instead of refrigerating, wrap bread in newspaper and store it away from direct sunlight. It’s best to slice bread just before consumption rather than pre-cutting it.

Bread

2 Onions and Shallots

Storing onions and shallots in the refrigerator exposes them to excessive moisture, leading to mold and spoilage. Onions already have a strong and pungent odor, which becomes even more unpleasant when they start to rot.

Not only do spoiled onions emit a foul smell, but they can also affect the flavor of other foods in the fridge. Additionally, rotten onions become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. In the cold environment, these microorganisms proliferate rapidly and can contaminate other foods, posing health risks.

3 Garlic

Similar to other spices like ginger, chili, and shallots, garlic is highly sensitive to low-temperature environments. Storing garlic in the fridge promotes mold growth and makes it unusable. Instead of keeping it in the cool compartment, it’s best to store garlic in a dry and well-ventilated area to prolong its shelf life.

4 Coffee

Whether in bean or ground form, coffee should not be stored in the refrigerator. Coffee is highly absorbent and can easily pick up odors from other foods. When stored in the fridge, it loses its original aroma and may absorb unwanted flavors. Additionally, the cold temperature can cause coffee to lose moisture, impacting its taste.

5 Olive Oil

The cold temperature of the refrigerator causes olive oil to solidify, making it difficult to use. When removed from the fridge, the oil needs to be brought back to room temperature before use, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. The best way to store olive oil is to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

6 Honey

Honey is a natural product that can be stored at room temperature for years without the need for refrigeration. Temperature fluctuations between the environment and the fridge can cause the honey to deteriorate, change color, and crystallize, making it difficult to use.

These are the foods that should never be stored in the refrigerator. Take note to avoid incorrect food storage practices. Additionally, you can utilize to keep your food fresh.

Source: vnexpress.net

Frequently asked questions

Potatoes and onions should be stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place instead of the refrigerator. Storing them in the fridge can increase the conversion of their starch to sugar, affecting their taste and texture.

Refrigerating tomatoes impairs their flavor and texture. They become mealy and lose their characteristic taste due to cold temperatures breaking down their cell walls.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are best stored at room temperature. Refrigeration can dry out their flesh and reduce their flavor.

Honey has an indefinite shelf life and does not need refrigeration. It is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, so storing it in the refrigerator can cause crystallization.

Hot sauce and most condiments do not require refrigeration and can be stored in a cool, dry place. However, once opened, they may last longer if refrigerated.