Never Put These Seven Foods in the Fridge, or You’ll Be Making a Big Mistake
When temperatures rise, our first reaction is to put all the food in the fridge to prevent it from spoiling. However, there are certain products that not only do not need refrigeration, but can even lose flavor, texture, and properties when stored cold.
Storing these foods incorrectly can affect their quality and even make them last less time. Below we tell you in detail, what they are!
7 foods you should never put in the fridge
1. Bread
Bread is one of the most common foods on the table, but storing it in the fridge can be a mistake. The bread hardens faster in the refrigerator. The low temperature causes the starch in the bread to crystallize, causing it to become dry and rubbery.
How to store it correctly?
Store the bread in a cloth bag or airtight container in a cool, dry place.
If you bought a lot of bread and won’t eat it quickly, you can freeze it in portions. Then, simply thaw it at room temperature or in the oven to bring it back to its freshness.
2. Onions
Onions are essential in the kitchen, but the refrigerator is not the best place for them. The humidity in the refrigerator causes the onions to absorb water and become mushy. In addition, cold can accelerate decomposition and encourage mold growth.
How to store them correctly?
Store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, preferably in a mesh bag or cardboard box.
Avoid storing them next to potatoes, as they can speed up the breakdown of both.
3. Garlic
Garlic is an ingredient with a long shelf life, but storing it in the fridge can damage it. Garlic in the refrigerator tends to sprout faster and can become rubbery or lose its characteristic flavor.
How to store it correctly?
Keep it in a dry, dark place, preferably in a paper bag or ventilated container.
If you’ve already peeled your garlic cloves, you can store them in an airtight jar in the pantry or submerged in olive oil for extra flavor.
4. Avocados
Avocado is a delicious fruit, but its conservation in the refrigerator depends on its state of ripeness. If the avocado is not yet ripe, the cold will delay its ripening process and could become mealy.
How to store them correctly?
If the avocado is green, keep it at room temperature until ripe.
Once ripe, you can refrigerate it to last a few more days without overdoing it.
If you’ve already cut it, sprinkle it with lemon and store it in an airtight container to prevent it from oxidizing.
5. Potatoes
Potatoes should be kept away from the refrigerator to preserve their texture and flavor. The cold transforms the starch in potatoes into sugar faster than normal, which alters their flavor and texture, making them sweet and gritty.
How to store them correctly?
Store them in a dark, cool, dry place, such as a pantry or wooden box.
Do not store them in plastic bags, as they can retain moisture and generate sprouts faster.
6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes lose a lot of flavor and texture if you put them in the fridge. The cold interrupts the tomato’s ripening process and alters its structure, making it floury and tasteless.
How to store them correctly?
Leave them at room temperature in a fruit bowl or on the countertop, away from direct sunlight.
If they are very ripe and you will not consume them soon, you can make a sauce and store it in the refrigerator.
7. Olive oil
Olive oil is an essential ingredient in the kitchen, but the cold of the refrigerator can change its condition and flavor. At low temperatures, olive oil thickens and can become cloudy, altering its texture and aroma.
How to store it correctly?
Store it in a dark, cool place, away from heat sources and direct light.
Use dark glass bottles or airtight containers to prevent oxidation.
Additional tips to better preserve your food
Plan your shopping to avoid accumulating food that can spoil quickly.
Use glass jars or airtight containers to store dry ingredients and avoid moisture.
Separate fruits and vegetables properly, as some release gases that can accelerate the ripening of others.
Freeze when needed, especially breads, ripe avocados, or tomatoes in sauce form.
Not everything we buy needs refrigeration. Some foods, when stored in the refrigerator, lose flavor, texture and nutrients. Learning how to preserve them correctly will allow you to enjoy them in their best condition for longer. Follow these tips and avoid making these mistakes in your kitchen.