Never Put This in the Fridge
The fridge is one of our best friends, but just like every friend, it has some secrets too. There are quite a few products that you should keep far, far away from it, and we bet you didn’t know that yet.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes lose all their flavor in the fridge. The cold air in the fridge causes the ripening process of the tomatoes to stop. And it is precisely that ripening process that gives tomatoes more flavor. In addition, their texture changes in the fridge. This is because membranes break down at low temperatures. So store your tomatoes at room temperature if you don’t want them to become mealy.
What is the difference between processed cheese and cheddar?
Basil
Besides absorbing all the smells of other foods, basil will wilt faster in the fridge than outside it. It is better to store it in the same way as fresh flowers: in a vase or glass of water. Martha Stewart also has the ultimate tip for storing leftover basil: blanch it and then freeze it.
Potatoes
At low temperatures, the starch in a potato turns into glucose more quickly, and before you know it, you’re left with a mealy, sweet potato. Store your potatoes in a paper bag, in a dark place where it isn’t cold.
Onions
Your onions will become soft and moldy in no time if you store them in the fridge. Store them in a cool, dry place and note: don’t store them near your potatoes, because then both will spoil faster. Spring onions can, by the way, be stored in the fridge.
Unripe avocados
If you want your avocado to ripen quickly, it’s best to keep it far away from the fridge. If your avocado is already ripe, you can slow down the process by putting it in the fridge.
Garlic
Store garlic in a cool, dry place. In the fridge, the bulb will quickly begin to sprout, and the garlic clove itself will quickly develop a rubbery, soft texture.
Bread
Bread dries out extremely quickly in the fridge. This is because starch (which holds water) releases water at temperatures between -5°C and 5°C. Store bread in a closed and clean bread bin or plastic bag. Not planning to eat your bread within a few days? Then freezing is the best option.
Olive oil and honey
At low temperatures, olive oil will develop a hard, buttery texture. Exactly the same applies to honey, which will also crystallize. Olive oil and honey are both products that have an almost unlimited shelf life and therefore do not need to be stored in a cool place.
Coffee
Coffee loses its flavor in the fridge. Store it in a cool, dark place where it retains its flavor and freshness. Coffee is, by the way, suitable for removing unpleasant odors from your fridge, but afterward it won’t taste good anymore.
