Foods You Should Never Store in the Refrigerator: Mayo, Coffee, Tomatoes, and More

With the cold weather setting in and heaters being turned on, people tend to store various food items in the refrigerator without much thought. However, some food items should never be refrigerated as they may deteriorate in quality for multiple reasons.

Among sauces, mayonnaise should never be stored in the refrigerator. Mayonnaise is made by mixing egg yolk, vinegar, edible oil, and salt. Keeping it at too low a temperature can cause its components to separate, increasing the likelihood of spoilage.

1. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise should be stored between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius to prevent ingredient separation or spoilage. It is best kept at room temperature with moderate sunlight, so mayonnaise is often stored this way in stores.

However, it’s advisable to refrigerate the mayonnaise after opening. But it’s better to place it on the door shelf of the refrigerator, which is warmer than the inner compartments.

2. Coffee Beans

Coffee beans should not be stored in the refrigerator either. It has the property of absorbing odors from their surroundings. Since the aroma is crucial for coffee, keeping it in the fridge, where it can absorb other food odors, can significantly degrade its quality. Moreover, moisture loss in the fridge can negatively impact the taste of coffee.

Nevertheless, you can use unused coffee beans or grounds to eliminate unwanted odors in your home, taking advantage of this odor-absorbing property.

3. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are best stored at room temperature, 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, rather than in the refrigerator. Refrigerating tomatoes can halt their ripening process, making their texture mealy and causing a decline in sweetness. Additionally, refrigeration can lead to moisture loss.

4. Other Foods

Storing vegetables like leeks and potatoes in the fridge can trigger sprouting or mold growth. When potatoes are stored at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius, they can produce acrylamide, an environmental hormone.

So, while using the fridge for various food storage is convenient, it’s essential to be selective about what goes in. Due to their specific characteristics, certain foods are better off stored at room temperature to maintain their quality and taste.