It’s safe to say that people who go shopping to buy groceries for later use would like the items to last. Therefore, people do what they think is best to stop certain foods from going bad. Many of us put particular items in the fridge to help them stay “alive” longer. What’s ironic is that the act of keeping these foods in the fridge actually does the opposite. We hasten the rotting of food and ruin its taste, all of which lead us to eventually toss the item in the trash, uneaten.
Apples
The thing with apples is that they already keep for about 1-2 weeks when they are stored at room temperature. The enzymes within the fruit become way more active when stored at room temperature. That’s why apples are so nutritional. Do keep in mind, however, that plumsthe sweet fruit causes other fruits to ripen more quickly because of the certain gas that apples give off. Therefore, it is best if you separate other fruits from apples. If you were a recipient of a gift basket filled with apples during the holidays, then it is best not to store them in the refrigerator!
Apples
Avocados
If you have unripe avocados, you should think twice about putting them in the fridge – unless you want them to ripen slower, like as slow as a snail slow. What you should do instead is place them on a surface that is cool and dry, like the counter.
Avocados
Bananas
When bananas are not in the refrigerator, they retain nutrients better. The ripening process will just be slowed down by the cold temperatures. In addition, the darkness and the moisture in the fridge will only cause the fruit to rot. The best place to keep them is just on the kitchen counter. Simple.
Bananas
Basil
Everyone remember – your basil does not belong in the fridge! Instead, place the herb in a cup with freshwater. If you intend to store basil for much longer – blanch it first, then freeze it. Strange but it works.
Basil
Bread
Absolutely nothing dries out bread more quickly than when you leave it in the refrigerator. Bread tends to become stale, tough, and almost tasteless because of the cold. However, if we talk about a sandwich, then bread definitely belongs in the fridge. This is the only exception.
Bread
Carrots
What’s up, Doc? Did you say not to refrigerate carrots because they will just rot and get filled with water within only a few days? Great tip! Carrots instead have to be kept away from sunlight and in a place that is ideally with little moisture.
Carrot
Cereal
You don’t have to place cereal in the fridge for it to stay fresh! The low temperature and the moisture in the refrigerator can actually make the cereal less crunchy and the food item will lose its texture. We don’t know about you but we don’t want cereal like that.
Cereal
Chocolate
Chocoholics unite! Well, more like listen up. We know that most of us have thrown our chocolate into the refrigerator so it doesn’t melt and it stays more “solid”. The thing is, though, chocolate loses its taste if you do this! (Now isn’t that shocking?!) Only place chocolate inside the fridge if some crazy heat wave turned it into liquid but not longer than a few hours. There, there… don’t worry. We’re sure there are no hard feelings between you and chocolate. You didn’t know, right?
Chocolate
Citrus Fruits
Natural room temperatures are needed by all types of citrus fruits to help them ripen. If you put the in the fridge, then this process is seriously ruined. What’s more, the citrus fruits lose their flavoring. No one wants that.
Citrus Fruits
Coffee
Oh, coffee. If you are a chocoholic, then you are probably also a certified coffee addict – with Gilmore Girls coffee addiction levels (and that’s quite high). If you have coffee beans or ground coffee, then you have to store them somewhere that is cool, dry, and dark so that you can preserve their flavor and freshness. If you want to keep coffee in the refrigerator, then you better place it inside an airtight container.
Coffee
Cucumber
The best way to enjoy cucumbers is to leave them at room temperature. When you want to leave the veggie, the fridge should be the last place you consider. If the cucumbers do end up in the fridge, then you will most likely see that the skin becomes damaged. This is due to the cool temperature, which hastens the rotting of the veggie’s skin. Therefore, store cucumbers in a place that is cool and dry at room temperature.
Cucumber
Egg
Most people don’t really think about whether they should put their eggs inside the fridge or not. Usually, people just do. However, a recently published study stated that it doesn’t makes any difference if you keep eggs in the refrigerator or not.
Egg
Flour
You can actually store flour anywhere that you would like to as it makes no actual difference. However, make sure that you use an airtight container to keep it and the container stays dry.
Flour
Fruits Like Apricots, Kiwi, Peaches And Mangoes
If you place fruits such as mangoes, kiwi, peaches, and apricots in the fridge, you slow down their ripening process. Thus, they will lose their nutrients and flavor more quickly. You should instead keep them on the counter or any other place that is cool and dry.
Fruits Like Apricots, Kiwi, Peaches, Plums And Mangoes
Garlic
Surely you have caught on by now? Never leave garlic inside the fridge. If you do, the garlic will only get rubbery, moldy, and it’ll sprout. When you look at the garlic you have left in the fridge, it will look like completely normal, until you cut the thing open. Trust us when we say that it’s something you don’t want to see or smell.
Garlic
Honey
There is a reason this is on the list even if it seems to be a no-brainer. Honey is a food item that is naturally preserved, so if you leave it in the refrigerator, you are actually speeding up the process of natural sugar crystallization in honey. This will only give you dough-like honey, which is something nobody wants.
Honey
Hot Sauce & Tabasco
When we talk about hot sauce (any kind of it) and Tabasco, you must not forget that both of them have quite a long shelf life. Hot sauce, to be specific, can go up to three years and Tabasco up to five years. With regards to hot sauce, you only need to make sure its base is vinegar and it does not have fruits or vegetables – because while its color may change, this does not mean the hot sauce has gone bad. As for Tabasco, make sure that you don’t expose it to direct sunlight and you place it in a place that is cool. Even after Tabasco has been opened, there is no need to refrigerate it.
Hot Sauce & Tabasco
Jam
Because of the fact that loads of preservatives (boarding on overkill) are added on jam, it is better if you don’t keep it inside the fridge. Even if the jar has been opened, don’t put it inside the fridge! Even though some water might get inside the jar, the taste won’t be ruined or the jam won’t spoil. In addition, (and this is really important) when taking out jam, always make sure that you aren’t getting any other foods mixed up with it; criss-crossing jam with other kinds of foods can make the taste become funny!
Jam
Ketchup
Ketchup is already made with enough preservatives to keep the quality and freshness even after you open the bottle, so you don’t need to refrigerate the condiment at all.
Ketchup
Melons
Melons need not be kept in the fridge! If you leave them at room temperature, they will keep their levels of natural antioxidant…well, “level”, as in the same. However, if melons are sliced up, then they should be stored in the fridge but they have to be covered, either with plastic wrap or foil.
Melons
Olive Oil
You probably have never given it a second thought, but storing olive oil in the refrigerator is not something you would want to do, unless you want some butter. The cold in the refrigerator will only turn the olive oil hard and condensed. You should instead store it somewhere dark and cool.
Olive Oil
Onions
Just like garlic, when you leave onions inside the refrigerator, they will only become moldy! If there are some unpeeled onions lying around in your house, be sure to leave them in an area that is dark and dry because they need air ( but not cold fridge air) to stay fresh for a long period of time. If you have an onion that has been peeled, then place in a covered container and keep it inside the refrigerator.
Onions
Pears
Here’s what you need to keep in mind about pears – they do NOT ripen when they are on the tree. This means that if they had been at room temperature when you bought them, then they will likely ripen slowly. This is how to get that amazing pear taste. If the pears you buy are not ripe, then they must not be refrigerated. The cold will just impede the ripening process. It also causes the pears to lose their freshness. Once they have ripened, the pears can be put inside the fridge so that they will last longer.
Pears
Pepper
It’s absolutely not true that if you keep peppers in the fridge, it preserves them. If they are placed in the refrigerator, peppers get more dull, so you should put them in a place that is cool and dry. Same goes for the chili peppers.
Pepper
Pickles
Yup! It is possible to leave pickles outside of the fridge. Loads of preservatives are added to them, so even if pickles stay out for as long as three years, it makes no difference. No smell would develop nor spoiling so save the fridge space. Shelve the pickles!
Pickles
Potatoes
It is necessary to keep potatoes in a dark, dry and cool space all the time. The cold temperatures in the fridge will only make the process of starch turn into sugar, faster. Also, don’t forget to take out the potatoes from the bag they came with when you get to your place!
Potatoes
Salad Dressings
It is quite common for people to put salad dressings or vinaigrette in the refrigerator. However, research shows that there is no actual benefit if you do this. There are two main components of salad dressing – oil and vinegar, neither of which needs refrigeration. However, if your dressing is your own creation, you probably use some nut oil, garlic, or fruit juice, and those ingredients require refrigeration.
Salad Dressings
Salad
If you have a vinegar or oil salad, it is completely capable of withstanding long periods of time even if it is not refrigerated. Seems crazy, right? However, if your salad has a mayo or yogurt base, then you need to refrigerate it.
Salad
Tomatoes
If you leave tomatoes in the fridge, you are just helping them lose their flavor more quickly, sour the taste, and slow down their ripening process. Thus, keep the tomatoes in a bowl on the counter!
Tomatoes
Tuna
As long as it is sealed, it is not necessary to put canned tuna inside the fridge! It can be kept at room temperature and it won’t go bad. This is mostly because of the fact that there are tons of preservatives inside canned tuna.
Tuna
Sweet Melon
Who wants to munch on watermelon or any kind of melon that is not chilled? That’s right, practically no one. However, think twice before you leave that melon inside the fridge. Research proves that putting the fruit in the refrigerator will lower the anti-oxidant levels within the sealed melon. What you can do is slice it up, then put it in the refrigerator long enough for it to get chilled before you serve it.
Sweet Melon
Pumpkin
How did pumpkins become linked to Halloween, which is a horror-themed holiday? Maybe because this large vegetable likes it best when kept in a dark, cool, and dry place like, let’s say… the basement?
Pumpkin
Peanut Butter
Who else finds it annoying trying to stab rock-hard peanut butter in a jar with a knife? Clearly, it isn’t just us, right? It’s pretty annoying! Want to have peanut butter that is creamy, smooth and soft? Just leave it outside of the refrigerator. Voila!
Peanut Butter
Spices
Many people have developed the habit of putting any food that is open inside the fridge. Just because it is done by so many doesn’t mean that it’s right. It is better to keep all spices outside of the fridge in order to keep them from absorbing moisture and becoming foul. You can keep spices anywhere dry or in the pantry for months as long as you place them inside a sealed container.
Spices
Mustard
Similar to ketchup, mustard can also last longer if it is outside of the refrigerator. Mustard has a natural acid which acts as a preservative. This is why mustard can be stored even longer than ketchup.
Mustard
Soy Sauce
Did you know that soy sauce stays edible for roughly a year and six months? It sounds like quite some but it is a fact that soy sauce can do exactly that in the pantry. You should know, however, that storing it for that long may change its taste, but it will be fine.
Soy Sauce
Eggplant
Eggplant is meant to be kept out of sunlight as well as at room temperature in order to make sure that it lasts long. In general, it is really sensitive to temperature, so the fridge is a “non-no” with regards to these guys. In addition, you should keep it separate from other fruits and vegetables. We wonder if it minds spending alone time. Maybe not.
Eggplant
Pineapple
These tropical fruits are a stand out in a really unique way when you compare them to others. Once pineapples are harvested, the ripening process completely stops. Therefore, if you haven’t gotten to cutting up that succulent summer fruit, then there isn’t a need to put it in the refrigerator. However, if you intend to serve it to guests, it’s safe to say everyone agrees that the cooler the better!
Pineapple
Papaya
Papaya? Papino? Paw-paw? What’s it called exactly? We call it super tasty fruit, which isn’t considered seasonal anymore as it’s imported practically all year round. Leaving the tropical delight inside the refrigerator will slow down its ripening process but it could also make it taste watery. That taste is just… gross!
Papaya
Sweet Potatoes
Let’s throw in some science here – whenever sweet potatoes end up in the refrigerator, the structure of their cell walls changes. Now, what exactly does that mean? It basically just means that the already hard sweet potatoes become even harder. The best option is to place them in a cool area that is well-ventilated and dark.
Sweert Potatoes
Dried Beans
There’s a real good reason that they’re dried – so that there is no need to put them inside the fridge, maybe. In fact, you can also leave green beans outside of the refrigerator if you want, but only if they will be used shortly after you buy them.
Dried Beans
Donuts
Do we really have to tell you that putting donuts in the fridge is a complete and utter crime? Listen, fridge pizza is awesome, but donuts? No. Donuts will quickly get stale and become cold treats that nobody will like to eat. Such a waste!
Donuts
Vinegar
Vinegar is really acidic and in fact, it can preserve itself! Isn’t that something? You will only ever need to refrigerate vinegar if you have chopped up some herbs or fresh vegetables and have thrown them into it, but even then, you still have some time to wait. Therefore, despite the fact that an expiration date is written on the bottle of the vinegar, you don’t really have to pay any attention to the information.
Vinegar
Salami
Sa-lami tells you one thing that you might not know yet. Actually, most salamis are meant to be kept away from the cold because salamis need to “breathe”. You might have seen backpackers grabbing a few when they go on long hikes. However, if the salami you buy reads that it should be kept in the refrigerator, then needless to say, you should do what the label says.
Salami
Aged Cheese
Initially, we thought, “Surely cheese needs to be refrigerated, it’s made from milk!” But aged cheeses such as Gouda, Gruyere and Cheddar are regarded as ‘cured’ cheeses. This means it takes more or less 6 months for them to be cured. Therefore, you can put these cheeses in cool places…because no one wants cheese that is melted before it has even seen an oven.
Aged Cheese
Canned Olives
This actually isn’t exclusive to only olives that are in a can. Many exporters of olives claim that if people keep the olives they buy in the brine that the olives were made in, the olives should not go bad on the counter. What’s important is to make sure that the olives are not in direct sunlight and that their container is closed.
Canned Olives
Beef Jerky
We think that since beef jerky is a type of meat product, it needs to be placed inside the fridge. However, because the meat’s moisture is entirely drawn out, then beef jerky can survive “living” outside the refrigerator. Beef jerky making can be traced to Ancient Egypt. We’re pretty sure that they didn’t keep it inside their refrigerators.
Beef Jerky
Potato Chips
Can you think of a situation when potato chips in a bag weren’t devoured until the last crumb? Neither can we. Then again, we also cannot think of any person who would keep a bag in the refrigerator. Guys, you agree that potato chips are not fridge staples, right? Cool.
Potato Chips
Crackers
Fact: If you look at the contents of my grandmother’s refrigerator, you will see her dry crackers in it. Yes, she does this AND she swears that this preserves them…I am not completely convinced, though. If you don’t want the taste of your crackers to change, place them inside a bag then seal it tightly. You can store them in your pantry or somewhere dark in the kitchen.
Crackers
Yogurt
Let the debate begin! Some argue that milk is the main ingredient in yogurt, so to the fridge it should go. On the other hand, others say there is a lot of bacteria (the good kind, relax) in the food product, so the refrigerator isn’t really the best place for it. Actually, it is safe to keep unopened yogurt out of the fridge. Just make sure that you store the yogurt in a place that is cool and not in direct sunlight. If you would like to eat it, you can place it in the refrigerator so that you can enjoy a cooler treat.
Yogurt
Berries
While berries can go into the fridge, you have to be careful that they don’t get soggy and gross. If you keep your berries at room temperature they will remain firm and tastier. If you would like to eat them when they’re a little bit cold, then we would advise you to eat them sooner rather than later.
Berries
Oats
Oh, oats. Before you’ve cooked them, we recommend keeping them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from building up and mold growth. This is one of the reasons you shouldn’t keep your oats in the fridge. If you cook them, then you can store them in the fridge for about 5 days.
Oats
Butter
You will probably have a line of people telling you that butter should NOT be kept outside of the fridge, but that’s just wrong. Butter becomes difficult to spread across bread or crackers when it has been sitting in a cold refrigerator. Butter will not spoil if you leave in a location that is not hot but at room temperature. You’ll be thrilled when you can easily spread it across a slice of bread.
Butter
Rice Cakes
Some people might laugh at the idea of putting rice cakes in the refrigerator, but you need to know that people actually do this. Obviously, it’s a big no-no since it can make your rice cakes lose their crunchiness, and it will also give them the texture of stale crackers, ewwww!
Rice Cakes
Plums
Of course, your first thought would be to put fruit like plums into the fridge. It makes sense if you plan on eating them shortly thereafter, but if you’re trying to store them then it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight and in a cool place. They’ll remain firm and tasty!
Plums
Mint
Unfortunately, mint leaves were not made for really cold temperatures. They thrive in warm climates, so obviously your fridge would not provide them with great conditions. Two options that could help you keep mint fresh for longer. One, store the stalks in an airtight container in the dark. Two, you can put the bottom of the stalks in a cup of water on your kitchen counter.
Mint
Nuts
If you want to store nuts in the refrigerator because you heard that their natural oil will be preserved, then you might not be wrong. However, it’s worth mentioning that the cold will actually make nuts lose their taste, and in some cases, give them a bland or cardboard-like flavor.
Nuts
Butternut Squash
We certainly need to make the distinction between a whole, unpunctured butternut squash, and a cut-up one. The first kind gets soggy in the fridge and it will start to lose its flavor. The second, however, could be kept in the fridge for up to four days, but we recommend eating it before then.
Butternut Squash
Dried Fruit
There’s a reason we call these snacks “dried fruit”, well, because they’re dry! If you put them in your refrigerator, you run the risk of getting them full of moisture which will impact the taste and texture of the dehydrated fruit. You should keep dried fruits in a dark and dry place, preferably in an airtight container.
Dried Fruit
Syrup
Since most syrups have a very high sugar concentration, they can easily withstand the elements and be left outside of the fridge even after they’ve been opened. And of course, let’s face it, when you put syrup in the fridge, like honey, it becomes really hard, and I could think of nothing worse when you’re trying to pour some over your pancakes!
Syrup
Pastries
Listen, if you really want to keep your pastries at their very best, then we suggest you do NOT put them in the fridge. They will get hard, flaky, and as you know, cold. Your best bet is to put them in a paper bag and on your kitchen counter at room temperature.
Pastries
Peaches
It might be quite tempting to put peaches in the fridge, especially if you’re hoping to make them riper. Cold temperatures actually make it more difficult for peaches to ripen, so you’d better not throw them into the fridge.
Peaches
Chocolate Spread
I’ve been saying this for years – you don’t need to put chocolate and hazelnut spreads in the fridge. Save yourself the headache of having to try scrape cold and hard Nutella out of the jar and onto a slice of bread. If that’s not convincing enough, then maybe knowing that the sugar content in these spreads can actually prevent bacteria growth.
Chocolate Spread
Champagne
You have to drink champagne when it’s chilled, but that doesn’t mean you should store it in the refrigerator. In fact, if you keep a bottle in the fridge for too long (more than 5 days give or take) its taste could actually change.
Champagne
Cilantro
If you’re a herb fan, then you’ll be happy to know that there are way better places to keep your cilantro than in the fridge. The cold won’t do these leaves any good, but a half a cup of water on your kitchen counter will do them wonders.
Cilantro
Mature White Wine
It’s no secret that white wines should be served chilled. Having said that, it’s important to mention that for storage you should keep these bottles lying on their sides in a dark room at room temperature. This will preserve their flavor.
Mature White Wine
Molasses
Storing molasses in the fridge isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it certainly is impractical. Since the substance is quite thick, leaving it in the fridge will make it hard and very difficult to use. What you can do instead is store it in a cool and dry place.
Molasses
Cake
Please, please, PLEASE don’t put cake in the fridge! If you do then you have no right to complain that it’s soggy, or even worse, stale! The only time you should put cake in the fridge is if it is cheesecake or a cake with cream that would spoil at room temperature.
Cake
Avocado Oil
Just like other oils, avocado oil does not do well in the refrigerator. The oil can separate or lose its texture. What’s even worse is that the oil can lose its flavor which means that if you cook with it or use it for salads, it will give your food a bitter taste.
Avocado Oil
Pizza
You either love it or you hate, but fridge/overnight pizza is not really a good idea for a morning-after snack. The pizza, albeit delicious, has a great risk of contracting bacteria that could make someone very sick. Rather eat the pizza and throw out the leftovers.
Pizza