Did You Know?
The first ever practical, working model of a refrigerator was invented by Jacob Perkins in 1834.The best way to eat fresh fruits and vegetables is to get them fresh from the market every week. But, since we all run low on time, almost every other day, keeping food fresh has a technical solution, and with that we mean the invention that created history is the world of food science―the refrigerator.
It keeps food from going bad. True. But, it certainly is not the one-stop store for all the edibles you get from the market. Every fruit or vegetable has a distinct taste and shelf life. And, we all have grown up with rules or lessons, about what stays on the kitchen counter, and what moves to the cold storage unit; the refrigerator. Apart from traditionally evolved rules about dumping food in the fridge, there are certain foods that are an exception, which are not to be stored in the fridge, and yes, we have science to back it all up, as to why should it not be kept in the cold.
Know that the fridge is definitely not a place for anything and everything related to food. Here is the list of the foods that you should not refrigerate.
Foods You Shouldn't Keep in Your Fridge
Potatoes
A world favorite and staple, this vegetable is best stored at room temperature. So, you might want to skip dumping these in the fridge. And why? Well, when potatoes are exposed to cool temperatures, it causes the starch in them to turn into sugar more quickly. This affects the texture, and most importantly, the flavor of potatoes, which becomes not-so-relishing, oddly sweet. Keeping them at room temperatures, at cool places, is best for them. Place them in a paper bag, as it helps them breathe, and will prevent them from rotting easily.
Tomatoes
When refrigerated, this juicy vegetable, technically considered a fruit, becomes too mushy. In cool temperatures, the tomato will lose the retention in its skin. This happens because, the membranes in the cell walls of tomatoes get damaged with cold storage. They may lose on their rich, fresh flavor. It is advisable to store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, which may also cause them to ripen, but spoil quickly.
Bread
Bread? And how many times have we stored this savior, in the fridge? Almost every time. Bread may spoil quickly, so refrigeration is an easy option, but do you know that it may spoil the taste of bread? Cool temperatures will cause the bread to lose moisture. It will stale more quickly, than stay fresh. It is best to keep bread at room temperatures, and eat them quick, until they are fresh.
Onion
Just like the good potato, it is wise to avoid storing onion in the fridge. With low temperatures, the onions may go bad, in terms of texture. They may become soft, and may no longer have the desired crispness, to enhance their flavor. Onions may also impart their aroma and flavor to other food items in your fridge. Always keep onions in dry places, at room temperature.
Garlic
Most people do not refrigerate garlic. It is also best to store it at room temperature. If you need to store the bulbs, always do so in a dry pace at room temperature. Storing bulbs in the cold may encourage sprouting. Refrigeration may also encourage mold on the garlic. So, store them in wired containers or mesh baskets, in a dry place. However, peeled garlic may be stored in closed containers in the fridge. But, a fresh and strong flavor comes only with freshly peeled garlic at room temperature.
Basil
Basil may not need a very cold setting, that requires storing in the fridge. Just like fresh-cut flowers need room temperature for a good shelf life, basil too, when stored in water, like flowers, tastes the best at room temperature. It may not need refrigeration, at least when you intend to use it in a few days. Store basil in a cup of water, change the water once in two days. Keep basil away from direct sunlight.
Bananas
Never store bananas in the fridge. They may not spoil from the inside, but the skin may become black and mushy. Avoid refrigeration especially if the bananas are not ripe; store them at room temperature.
Coffee
For fresh aromatic coffee, it is best to avoid storing it in the fridge. In very cold settings, the coffee loses its flavor. This happens because of the condensation that takes place, which affects flavor, both in ground and whole coffee beans. For the best tasting coffee, always place it in a cool place in an airtight container.
Avocado
Unripe, hard avocados do not require refrigeration, which may slow the ripening process. Always store them at room temperature until they are ripe.
Eggs
Well, as per regulations in many countries, washed eggs must be refrigerated. However, washing depletes the protective layer on the shell, and increases the risk of contamination. But farm fresh eggs (unwashed) need no refrigeration. They stay well at room temperature for a few weeks' time. Always check if the eggs are washed or not, before deciding whether they should be stored on the counter or in the fridge.
Oils
Except for nutty oils, there is no need to refrigerate oils. They may get cloudy in texture, with cold storage. However, this does not affect the flavor.
Honey
Honey is a natural produce, and well, it does not require refrigeration. It will stay well and fresh on your shelf for a long time. Cold storage may freeze it, and make honey thicker in texture.
It is also advisable to keep root vegetables, like carrots, at room temperature. Always buy fresh produce, and try to use it immediately. Though, buying fresh produce every day may not be practically possible, try to use it at least within one week of purchase. The above was a short list of foods that may not need refrigeration. Every food has a different shelf life and storage requirements. So, make sure you store them in the proper way, with or without refrigeration.
