Not all foods benefit from refrigeration! Discover the top 5 foods that shouldn’t be chilled, such as bread and tomatoes, and learn why room temperature is better for their taste, texture, and freshness. Keep your kitchen organized with these tips!
Written by Sophia Bennett
Contributing Writer
Updated May 01, 2024
efrigerators help extend the shelf life of many foods, but did you know that certain foods can actually spoil faster or lose their flavor when refrigerated? Some common items in your kitchen are better left at room temperature to preserve their texture, taste, and nutritional value. Here are five foods that you shouldn’t put in the refrigerator.
Many people think storing bread in the refrigerator keeps it fresh longer, but refrigeration actually dries it out and alters the texture, making it stale.
Better storage option: Keep bread on the counter, in a pantry, or in a breadbox. You can freeze any portion of the loaf that you won’t finish in a few days to extend its freshness.
Refrigerating whole melons before they’re ripe can halt the ripening process and reduce their natural flavor and antioxidant content.
Better storage option: Leave whole melons on the counter to ripen. Once cut, store the leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Cold temperatures turn the starches in potatoes into sugar, giving them an undesirable gritty texture and sweet taste when cooked.
Better storage option: Store potatoes in a cool, dark place like a pantry, away from direct light, to preserve their natural flavor.
Refrigerating coffee beans can cause them to absorb moisture and other food odors, which dulls their flavor.
Better storage option: Keep your coffee beans or grounds in an airtight container in a dark pantry. This keeps out moisture and preserves their flavor.
Tomatoes continue to ripen after they’re picked, but refrigeration can halt this process, affecting their flavor and texture.
Better storage option: Store tomatoes on the counter, out of direct sunlight. Keep cut tomatoes in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but use them quickly to preserve freshness.
At Major at Appliance Repair, we know that proper food storage goes hand-in-hand with having a reliable refrigerator. If your fridge isn’t keeping your food cool enough, don’t wait! Call us today for expert refrigerator repair services.
Does storing bread in the refrigerator make it last longer?
No, refrigerating bread actually dries it out, making it stale faster. It’s best to store bread at room temperature and freeze it if needed.
Why shouldn’t I store tomatoes in the refrigerator?
Refrigeration halts the ripening process of tomatoes, altering their flavor and texture. Keep tomatoes on the counter to maintain their taste.
Can I refrigerate potatoes to keep them fresh?
No, refrigerating potatoes converts their starches into sugars, resulting in an undesirable gritty texture and sweet flavor. Store them in a cool, dark place instead.
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