5 Foods Not Meant For Refrigerator

Most of us use a refrigerator with little knowledge about the types of food that should be stored in it and what should not. Too often, we refrigerate food that should actually be kept on the counter or in the pantry. Storing some foods in the refrigerator will ruin their texture as well as taste.

Water-Melon

In fact, the study found that compared to freshly picked fruit, watermelons stored at room temperature had 40 percent more lycopene and 139 percent more beta carotene content. So, instead of keeping the whole melons in the refrigerator, leave them on your counter at room temperature. However, if you hav cut or sliced melons, you can cover them and store in the refrigerator.

Tomatoes

One of the best places to store unripe tomatoes is on the counter at room temperature. To speed up ripening, put them in a paper bag. Also, keep them stem-side down. Ripe tomatoes are meant to be eaten within a couple of days, so buy them in small amounts as needed. Keep them at room temperature stem side up, away from sunlight. Room temperature, here refers to a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius.

Potato

When stored in warmer or more humid areas, potatoes will start sprouting or going bad. Mature potatoes remain good for months if kept in a cool, dark environment like a root cellar or pantry. If the potatoes are damp, allow them to dry out on the counter before storing them.

Onion

Due to moisture, whole onions will turn soft and moldy. However, you can store chopped or sliced onions in a sealed container in your refrigerator for a few days. Keep the temperature at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Honey

Room temperature helps preserve your honey’s natural goodness. To keep honey fresh, store it in an airtight, glass container. Avoid storing it in metal or non-food-grade plastic containers, as they can cause oxidization of the honey. Keep the container in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. A cupboard or pantry is best.