It's easy to get home from the grocery store and throw everything in the fridge because it's a common myth that things will last longer in the fridge. But, some foods are better left out on the counter to ripen naturally. Even some should be placed in dark and dry spaces for optimal flavor. Are you putting foods in the refrigerator that you shouldn't be? Continue reading to find out!
Watermelon
While sliced watermelon is good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, before cutting, make sure to keep the watermelon on the counter. Storing the whole melon at room temperature creates the best flavor and keeps the antioxidants more intact.
Tomatoes
Many people store tomatoes in the refrigerator in hopes that they will last longer. That’s what those fruit and veggie drawers are for right? Well, storing your tomatoes in the fridge can actually make them dull and mealy. You should store your tomatoes on the counter to let them ripen.
Potatoes
Spuds are meant for dry and dark areas. If you keep them in the fridge, take them out now! The cold temperatures break down the starches in the potatoes which causes them to become too sweet and gritty. No thank you!
Onion
What?! Since when can’t you keep onion in the fridge!? Keeping uncut onions in the refrigerator can actually make the onion moldy and mushy! Once you do cut them however, place in a sealed tight bag and store in the vegetable drawer.
Garlic
Don’t stink up your fridge anymore by storing your potent garlic in there! You should store your garlic in a cool, tight and ventilated container. Also make sure to use your garlic within 10 days of breaking it open.
Apples
Apples will do just fine on your counter. You can even get creative and make a pretty fall center piece out of them.
Berries
Fresh berries are the perfect snack, and at room temperature they’re even better. However, if you can’t eat all the berries you picked within a few days, store in the fridge to keep them lasting a little bit longer.
Peaches
Those juicy peaches you love so much should be kept on the counter to ripen. Keeping them at room temperature allows them to ripen naturally. Like with apples and berries, if you can’t eat them all right away, you can store them in the fridge for a little bit.
Apricots
Just like peaches, apricots are better left to ripen at room temperature. Our mouths are watering thinking of biting into a juicy apricot. Yum! Again, keep in the fridge if you can’t eat them right away!
Avocado
Do you have a party to go to tomorrow and you’re in charge of bringing the guac? Well, keep your unripened avocado out of the fridge! The cold air slows the ripening process. However, once you cut it, place it in an air tight container and store it in the fridge.
Bread
We’ve always thought storing bread in the refrigerator will make it last longer, but putting it in the fridge can cause it to dry out. Keep the bread you plan to eat within the week on the counter and the rest can be stored in the freezer.
Coffee
If you’re a coffee snob like us, you definitely don’t want to store your coffee in the fridge. Storing your coffee in the fridge can cause it to lose its flavor and actually take on the aroma of other foods. Store coffee in a dark and cool place to retain all the flavor! But, you can actually store large quantities in the freezer!
Oranges
Oranges are another fruit that should be kept away from the cold air of your refrigerator. They should be stored at room temperature, like on your kitchen counter. Not only can cold air damage the quality of the oranges, but keeping them too close together can make them moldy too!
