15 Foods You Don’t Need to Store in the Fridge

People are so used to keeping food in the fridge that they don’t even stop to think about what’s really worth putting in it, and what will be fine at room temperature. Even when the package says “keep in a cool and dry place”, we automatically put the product in the fridge (obviously because it’s cold there!), but is that correct?

We, from awesome.club, we also store most of our products in the refrigerator. But one day we stopped to think: is it really necessary? And we were genuinely surprised by some of the items on the list below.

Bell pepper does not need to be refrigerated. For about a week, it can easily keep at room temperature, in a kitchen drawer, or in a paper bag. Also, in the fridge, the peppers wither and lose their crunch.

Bananas, mangoes, papayas and other tropical fruits should be kept at room temperature. Low temperatures not only affect their appearance (bananas, for example, turn dark), their texture too.

Ketchupmayonnaise, mustard, soy sauce (shoyu), balsamic vinegar, sweet and sour and hot sauces, even opened, will look good in the kitchen cupboard. No use keeping all this on the fridge shelf. Please note: in many cafes and restaurants, these products are always on the tables.

Avoid storing chocolate in the cold. In addition to absorbing all the odors, the humidity inside the refrigerator can give the chocolate a white coating: this is how the sugar comes to the surface. The layer does not affect the taste, but it does not look very attractive. On the other hand, chocolate will be perfectly stored at a temperature of 15-20°C, for at least six months.

We are used to keeping it in the cold, as it is a dairy product, and we know that these products spoil very quickly at room temperature. However, the situation with butter is a little different: its main component (more than 80%) is fat. The high fat content combined with the low water content makes the environment unsuitable for bacterial growth. Therefore, the butter will safely “survive” at room temperature, for at least a few days.

As for slightly green peaches, they are best stored at room temperature. Keep them unwashed and position them with the petiole down. However, ripe fruits can be put in the refrigerator for a short time, a maximum of a couple of days: in the cold, peaches lose moisture and their texture changes.

Often, when buying a loaf of bread, we do not consume it in full, and in order to extend the shelf life of the product, we put it in the refrigerator. But if you are interested in the issues of proper food storage, then you probably know that there is no point in this: in a cold environment, bread loses moisture much faster.

Drinks such as juices or soft drinks also keep well at room temperature, maintaining freshness. If there are no sharp and frequent changes in temperature, and the packaging is not damaged, the juice that has been lying on the shelf in the cupboard for several months is quite suitable for consumption.

Salami, basically, is a kind of dried meat that has a very long shelf life, up to several months. Therefore, it is not necessary to store it in the refrigerator. It is best stored in a cool, airy place at a temperature of 10-15°C. Under these conditions, the salami will simply continue to age.

It is not necessary to store closed canned foods in the refrigerator, as this will not make them “fresher”. Note that in stores these products lie on the shelves for months, and no one thinks to refrigerate them. But when the can is opened, it is better to transfer the fish to a glass container and refrigerate.

To keep basil fresh, cut the stems and place them in a glass of water like flowers. Cover the glass with a plastic bag and leave it on the table. Some herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, can be refrigerated, but basil should be kept at room temperature. In the refrigerator, its leaves can turn black.

Peanut butter doesn’t contain much water, so it can be stored in your kitchen cupboard. An open container does not need to be refrigerated: the product will usually keep well for about three months in a dark cupboard at room temperature. Nutella should also not be refrigerated: it will become hard and difficult to serve.

These fruits can be refrigerated, but be aware: the cold air in the fridge can destroy their crunchy texture. Better leave them on the table. And if you prefer the coldest fruits, put them in the fridge a little before eating.

Pickles contain enough sodium, a natural preservative that allows them to be stored for a long time, even after opening the jar. The only reason to keep pickles in the fridge is if you prefer to eat them cold.

Light and humidity are garlic’s worst enemies, as they cause mold to grow. Therefore, it’s best to store it at room temperature, in a dry, dark place with good air circulation, such as in a basket, or in an open paper bag in a cupboard or pantry. In the refrigerator, garlic, like many fruits and vegetables, loses moisture. In addition, it does not prevent germination in any way.

Do you know any other foods that you don’t need to keep in the fridge? Share with us!