Keeping these foods Out of the Refrigerator
As a child growing up, there were certain foods I noticed that my parents always keep refrigerated and I thought this was the right thing they were doing only to discover years later that these same foods should have been stored outside of the refrigerator to preserve for future use.
In this article, we will be discussing why certain foods should be kept away from the refrigerator.
15 Foods not to refrigerate
Here is a list of foods that may surprise you that are best keep unrefrigerated
1. Tomatoes– should be kept on the counter because chilled tomatoes can lose their flavors and firmness. Unripe tomatoes can also be kept on the kitchen counter or windowsill to reach full ripeness.
2. Garlic– is a herb that has such a wonderful flavor and can add that WOW to about any dish. Allowing garlic to chill can reduce its effeteness as far as flavor is concerned. Garlic should be kept in a place that is dry and cool.
3. Honey– is a natural sweetener that is enjoyed worldwide, this sweet liquid gold has many health benefits. Keeping honey refrigerated will cause it to become hard and not that pleasant to the taste. To preserve this sweet liquid gold store at room temperatures such as kitchen cabinets, cupboards, and pantries.
4. Avocados– are one of my favorites but avocados should be kept at room temperature because if allowed to chill for a long time avocados will lose their rich color and will begin to turn black and will get mushy.
5. Onions– goes great in soups, salads, and so on But once onions are cut and placed in the fridge they will lose some of their flavors along with becoming mushy. If you must store onions in the fridge place them in a baggy. Make sure no air is in the baggy, place baggy in the vegetable pan.
6. Potatoes– the flavor is best preserved when keeping at room temperature levels. The chill from the refrigerator can destroy the flavor and if allowed to store in the refrigerator for a long time can cause potatoes to get mushy.
7. Thyme– should be kept in a dry place because thyme loses its flavors when it is chilled, also the leaves will dry out.
8. Rosemary– is a herb that I love because of its strong flavors but
chilling rosemary can destroy the taste. This herb is best chilled at room temperature, to keep its flavor store on the kitchen counter.
9. Nuts– are you nuts over nuts. Nuts should be stored in an airtight container to preserve their freshness and flavors. Chilled nuts will not only lose their flavors but can become stale and the taste will just be unappealing.
10. Strawberries are great to add to those mouth-watering desserts but allowing these fruits to chill for a long time can cause them to become soggy and lose their flavor. It is best not to let them sit for too long.
11. Bananas– are a popular fruit that is mostly eaten at breakfast time either by itself, pancakes, cereals, and so on.
But keeping bananas in the fridge can cause them not only to lose their flavors but the banana will begin to turn black including the skin. Chilling bananas will also slow down the ripening process.
It is best to keep bananas on the kitchen counter where the room temperature is just right.
12. Pineapples– taste pretty awesome when chilled, here in the Bahamas the pineapple fruit is used to make a delicious dessert that is called pineapple tart along with many other treats that will excite your taste buds.
But keeping unripened pineapple in the refrigerator will slow down the ripening process. It is best to store pineapple at room temperature, once ripen slice and chilled for a refreshing delight.
13. Peaches– are best kept at room temperature until ripened. There are many varieties of peaches that makes this fruit so amazing. Peaches are also used for many sweet treats. After they have ripened, peaches can be refrigerated.
14. Melons– are pretty refreshing doing those hot summer months. Melons have also been listed among foods that can keep the body hydrated. Though melons taste great when chilled, if melons are allowed to be kept for a long time in the refrigerator melons will not only lose some of their flavors but will also become mushy.
Unripe melons should be kept at room temperature in order to ripen. Places like the kitchen and breakfast counter or even the kitchen table will do just fine.
15. Basil– the flavor of basil is just out of this world. I have used this herb for years and enjoyed every bit of it because basil has such a unique flavor that can add that, WOW to just about any dish.
But keeping basil in the refrigerator will not only destroy the flavor but will also cause the basil to wilt. keeping your basil at room temperature and in about an inch of water will go a long way in preserving this herb.
The final word
These are just a few of many foods to store at room temperature preserving them so you can benefit the most from what they have to offer by enjoying their aromas, flavors, and vitamins.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
hi Norman,
You said 15 foods not to refrigerate, but there are only 10. I would include bananas and plantains (a family to bananas). These get black both outside and inside and don’t taste as good as when they are fresh. However, even they go black, not to worry, you don’t have to throw them away. You can always make a banana smoothy with some natural coconut cream. Yummy!
Hi, Norman,
This is a wonderful list to keep. I knew about a few which shouldn’t be refrigerated, one I also learned the hard way when one time I had put Bananas into the fridge.
What can I say it wasn’t fun when you can’t consume one of your favorite fruit anymore because of your mistake.
I am more cautious now and thanks to your list, which I have saved, I will be.
Great post!
Great article on 15 foods not to refrigerate Norman, I really had no idea about this!
Many of these foods I have always kept refrigerated, such as potatoes and tomatoes, but I didn’t realise what a detrimental effect this has on the flavour!
Really interesting and helpful article, keep up the great work!
Ok, most of these items I know not to refrigerate. I was surprised by strawberries and potatoes. I have always put these two items in the fridge thinking they will stay fresh longer. I figured the potatoes just got mushy because of being not eaten quick enough. Same with the strawberries. I know better now. Thanks for sharing this great information Maurice!
Hello again I am so happy that I could help and thanks a million for responding. All the best to you my good friend.
Hi!
I didn’t know about most of them, but the one that really got me was the avocado. I used to had the idea that the avocado at room temperature was a bad idea because it gets dark very quickly when cut at room temperature.
Nice article and thanks for sharing!
Good morning Alex it came as a surprise to me also when I found out about all of this good stuff. I am so happy that I could help, have a good day.
Such great information about foods not to refrigerate! I did not know about avocado, tomatoes, or potatoes… thanks for this information, I am bookmarking for future reference.