We often store foods we plan to eat later in the refrigerator without much thought. After all, keeping food cold is usually considered the best way to preserve its freshness and extend its shelf life. While this is true for many foods, some items are negatively impacted when stored in the fridge. Let’s examine which foods you should avoid refrigerating.
Tangerines
Tangerines are a perfect example of a fruit that should be kept at room temperature, not in the fridge. They lose moisture when stored in the refrigerator, causing the meat to dry out. As a result, tangerines become less juicy, the skin shrivels, and they lose much of their sweetness and tangy flavor. For the best taste and texture, store tangerines on the counter, where they can stay fresher longer.
Napa Cabbage
Napa cabbage is another food that doesn’t do well in the fridge. Refrigeration causes the outer leaves to dry out and the inner leaves to wilt, affecting the lettuce’s signature crispness. Like tangerines, the cold air causes moisture to evaporate, leaving the cabbage less crunchy and fresher. Store napa cabbage in a cool, dry place at room temperature for optimal texture. This is especially important if you’re making kimchi, as it will retain that satisfying crunch.
Radish
Radishes lose moisture when stored in cold temperatures. The humidity and cold air inside the refrigerator make them wilt faster. Additionally, they can absorb odors from other foods, which isn’t ideal. For the freshest radishes, store them in a cool, well-ventilated area. This will preserve their moisture and allow you to enjoy their crisp texture and fresh taste for longer.
Coffee
Coffee, whether whole bean or ground, should not be stored in the fridge. While refrigerating coffee might seem like a good way to preserve its freshness, it can actually damage the flavor. Coffee absorbs moisture and odors from its environment, and the fridge is full of both. To maintain its aroma and rich taste, the best way to store coffee is in an airtight container at room temperature, away from light.
Garlic
Garlic is a must-have ingredient in many kitchens, prized for its flavor and health benefits. However, storing garlic in the fridge can lead to issues like sprouting and mold growth. When refrigerated, garlic absorbs moisture, softens, and becomes more susceptible to spoiling. This is particularly true for whole, unpeeled garlic. However, storing it in a container with a lid in the fridge is best if you’ve peeled or chopped garlic.
Avocado
Avocados are known for their creamy texture and high nutritional value, making them a favorite for salads and toast. However, they’re also a classic example of a fruit that needs to ripen at room temperature. If stored in the fridge before ripening, avocados won’t soften properly and may develop a bitter taste and unpleasant odor. Allow your avocado to ripen on the counter first, then refrigerate it if necessary once it’s ripe.
Chocolate
Storing chocolate in the fridge is common, but it’s not the best way to preserve its flavor. While cold chocolate can be enjoyable, refrigeration can cause the chocolate to absorb odors and moisture from other foods in the fridge. To keep chocolate fresh, store it in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag to prevent it from absorbing unwanted smells.
Cucumber
Cucumbers, thanks to their crisp texture, are best enjoyed fresh. However, storing them in the fridge can cause them to lose appeal. The cold temperature makes cucumbers discolor and soften, causing them to lose their refreshing flavor. If you refrigerate cucumbers, dry them thoroughly and store them in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.
Mayonnaise
While cold mayonnaise is a common preference, it’s not the best food to store in the fridge. When mayonnaise is refrigerated, the oil tends to separate from the other ingredients, which can cause it to spoil faster. The ideal way to store mayonnaise is in a cool, dark place away from sunlight rather than in the fridge.
Ginger
Like many vegetables, ginger can dry out when stored in the refrigerator. The cold air and moisture inside the fridge cause ginger to lose its freshness. Unpeeled ginger is best kept at room temperature in a dry, cool place. However, if you’ve peeled ginger, store it in the fridge in a plastic bag to maintain its freshness longer.
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