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TYPES OF FOODS YOU DON’T HAVE TO REFRIGERATE
Most refrigerators are the focal point of kitchens. They provide a convenient way to store and preserve perishable items, ensuring we have the ingredients we need to make our family’s favourite meals. However, many foods don’t require refrigeration even though we store them in cold conditions to preserve their freshness and flavour.
Knowing which foods don’t need to be refrigerated can save precious fridge space and help keep your refrigerator organized, while also simplifying meal planning and helping certain perishables last longer. This article will introduce you to a list of common foods that don’t need to be refrigerated, and provide some helpful food storage tips.
7 FRUITS THAT DO NOT NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED
The refrigerator is useful for keeping some fruits fresh, but certain types are fine at room temperature. In fact, refrigeration may even cause some fruits to spoil more quickly or lose their optimal flavour and texture.
Review this list to learn which fruits are safe to store at room temperature.
1. BANANAS
Store bananas on a countertop, in a pantry or on a banana hook to keep them fresh and prevent premature browning.
2. MELONS
Let whole melons ripen at room temperature. However, you should refrigerate them once sliced.
3. APPLES
You can safely leave apples at room temperature for up to two weeks. Afterward, refrigerate them to help preserve their quality for an extended period. Another option is to store them in a refrigerator crisper drawer.
4. BERRIES
Store berries at room temperature rather than in the fridge to achieve optimal freshness. This may help avoid the level of moisture build-up that could damage them. Also, try not to wash berries until you’re ready to eat them.
5. CITRUS FRUITS
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes and grapefruits, develop or maintain their juicy goodness in hot environments. However, citrus fruits can sometimes be easier to zest when cold. If you prefer them chilled, roll the fruit on the countertop before zesting to help release its juices.
6. STONE FRUIT
To enjoy perfect ripeness, let apricots, nectarines, plums and other stone fruit sit at room temperature. If you don’t plan to eat them immediately, it’s okay to keep them in your fridge’s fruit bin for a few days.
7. TOMATOES
Store tomatoes at room temperature to help keep them fresh, juicy, and ready for your next sandwich.
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7 VEGETABLES THAT DO NOT NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED
Refrigeration is often the go-to solution for keeping vegetables fresh. That said, not all vegetables have the same storage requirements, as some should be kept outside of the cold environment of your refrigerator. Keep reading to learn which vegetables don’t need to be refrigerated.
1. ONIONS
Keeping onions in the refrigerator can turn them soft and cause them to develop mould. To avoid this, store them in a cool, dry place away from potatoes.
2. CUCUMBERS
To keep cucumbers fresh, avoid putting them in the refrigerator, as doing so can cause wateriness and pitted skin. They are best stored in your pantry or in an air-tight container on your countertop.
3. POTATOES
To help protect their natural flavour, keep potatoes at room temperature inside a paper bag. Refrigerating potatoes can expose them to moisture that can cause grittiness and excessive sweetness.
4. AVOCADOS
Letting avocados ripen at room temperature on the counter ensures. This will help them ripen faster and be ready for your next avocado toast.
5. BELL PEPPERS
Storing bell peppers in the refrigerator can cause them to lose their crunch. Store them at room temperature to help them keep the cruncy exterior that makes them desirable.
6. PICKLES
Since pickles are already preserved, you can save fridge space by keeping them in the pantry. Review the instructions on store-bought pickles to make sure you store them correctly.
7. WINTER SQUASH
You don’t have to refrigerate winter squash, such as butternut. Instead, store squash in a cool, dry place.
15 MORE FOODS THAT DO NOT NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED
Understanding where to store food, ingredients and condiments is the best way to help ensure they maintain their freshness. Here are other items besides fruits and vegetables that can be stored outside the refrigerator.
1. BREAD
Store bread at room temperature if you believe you will finish it in a day. If not, keep it in a paper sack or bread box. Another option is to freeze it and then toast it to thaw.
2. HONEY
Always store honey at room temperature to help it remain smooth and gooey. Refrigeration may cause it to become hard and form unpleasant lumps.
3. COFFEE
Coffee grounds and beans should be kept in a sealed container in the pantry to maintain their flavour.
4. HOT SAUCE
To maintain the flavour and heat of hot sauce, store it in your pantry, and never in the fridge.
5. OLIVE OIL
Olive oil should be kept in a cool, dark area. Storing it in a fridge may cause it to harden. Olive oil typically has a shelf life of 18 months from its harvest date.
6. PEANUT BUTTER
Keeping peanut butter at room temperature can help it maintain that creamy and spreadable consistency for up to three months. It’s recommended to refrigerate it after three months have passed.
7. BUTTER
Store butter in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Once that time has passed, refrigerate or freeze it.
8. NUTS
For nuts, like cashews and almonds, to maintain their full flavour, store them in a sealed container at room temperature and not in the refrigerator.
9. SOY SAUCE
Since it’s fermented, you can keep soy sauce in a cabinet for up to a year. Always follow packaging instructions, as some products may vary in their storage requirements.
10. BAKED GOODS
Storing instructions for baked goods may vary, but most can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry or on the counter. You don’t need to refrigerate freshly baked cookies, brownies or certain pies and cakes.
11. CHOCOLATE
It’s recommended to store chocolate in a cool, dry place.
12. CANNED FISH
Room temperature is best for canned fish, such as tuna, so store all of these products on a shelf in a cool, dry place.
13. MOLASSES
If unopened, molasses can be stored at room temperature for up to a year. Once opened, you can still store it at room temperature for another six months.
14. VINEGAR
Vinegar’s acidity makes it ideal for storage at room temperature in the pantry.
15. CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT SPREAD
When stored outside the refrigerator, chocolate-hazelnut spread becomes more spreadable and develops an enhanced flavour.
TIPS FOR STORING FOOD THAT SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN THE REFRIGERATOR
Read a product’s labels to confirm you understand its storage instructions
Try to always store food in a cool, dry place
Use airtight containers when necessary
Ensure that boxes and containers are closed tightly after each use
Check the expiration date before purchasing and then again before eating the item
Put in the effort to keep your pantry or food storage area organized. This way, you won’t lose track of items
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Built strong to hold in the cold
Maytag® refrigerators are designed to help keep your perishables in their ideal climate
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A refrigerator from Maytag brand can help keep food fresh thanks to its collection of features. Select models feature a Wide-N-Fresh™ Deli Drawer to store party platters and deli trays and a Beverage Chiller Compartment to ensure there is always a cold drink ready for when you need it.
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