Foods that should and should not be stored in the fridge

Chances are everyone refrigerates some things they shouldn’t and keeps some things in the cupboard that should be kept in the fridge! Check out the list below to see how many mistakes you have been making. Comment below to let me know if you’ve been getting it right or wrong:

Foods that should be kept in the fridge

Mustard and horseradish

There are no ingredients in mustard that will spoil but Dijon and horseradish mustards will lose their distinct flavours if not refrigerated.

Ketchup

Always a topic of debate! Technically ketchup does not need to be refrigerated but if your ketchup generally lasts longer than one month, it should be kept in the fridge to inhibit bacterial growth.

Soy sauce

Soy sauce can be left unrefrigerated due to its high sodium content, however, if left unrefrigerated, it will lose its flavour after about two months.

Avocados

Storing avocados in the fridge will keep them from ripening. Leave them on the counter until ripe, then move to the fridge if not eating immediately to avoid over-ripening.

Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob will start to lose its freshness shortly after harvesting. It is best to store in the fridge to capture as much of the fresh sweet flavour for as long as possible.

Ripe bananas

Unripe bananas should be stored on the counter to allow for the ripening process. However, like avocados ripe bananas can be kept in the fridge to delay the over-ripening process. Don’t be put off by the peel turning a dark brown colour, inside the banana will still be perfectly ripe.

Lemons, oranges and limes

While not completely necessary to refrigerate these fruits, they will keep for up to 4 times longer if kept in the fridge.

Grapes

Grapes should be refrigerated to extend their shelf-life.

Dried fruit

With a much lower water content than regular fruit, dried fruit can last for several months on the counter. However if you plan to keep it for longer than a few months, you could move it to the fridge.

Eggs

Refrigerating eggs is not actually necessary except in the US where they undergo a washing process to reduce the chances of salmonella contamination. This washing process washes away the cuticle which keeps chemicals and bacteria at bay hence the need to refrigerate.

Cheese

Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan don’t need to be kept in the fridge, however soft cheeses like brie and ricotta should be stored in the fridge. All cheese will keep longer if refrigerated.

Tortillas

At room temperature tortillas will keep fresh for about a week. If kept in the fridge you can extend their shelf life by a factor of 4.

Foods that don’t need to be kept in the fridge

Hot sauces will stay fresh for up to 3 years without refrigeration even after opening.

Potatoes should be stored in paper bags in cool, dry places. Putting them in the fridge will make them taste horrible and rot quicker.

Onions too will rot faster if put in the fridge.

Berries put in the fridge will rot faster due to the moisture.

Bread is best kept at room temperature. Putting it in the fridge will speed up the dehydration process, making it stale quicker.

Tomatoes stored in the fridge actually lose their flavour and rot faster than if kept unrefrigerated.

Honey is the only food that does not spoil and so does not need refrigeration

Uncut melons do better on the counter

Rice only needs to be kept in the fridge if cooked. Uncooked white rice can last in an airtight container for up to 10 years.

Peppers don’t need to go in the fridge. They taste better when left unrefrigerated

How many did you get right and how many mistakes have you been making? Comment below: