Storing food in the fridge seems like a no-brainer for keeping ingredients fresh, but some foods actually suffer from being chilled......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Here’s a look at several foods that should stay out of the fridge to maintain their best quality and flavor.
Avocados
Unripe avocados should be kept at room temperature for four to seven days. Refrigerating them can delay ripening and may cause them to spoil faster. Once ripe, avocados can be stored in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them.
Bananas
Bananas need warm temperatures (15-20°C or 59-68°F) to ripen properly. Refrigeration can halt the ripening process and turn the skins black due to changes in the fruit’s cell walls.
Bread
Bread should be kept on the counter or in a bread bin if you’ll eat it within a few days, as the fridge can make it stale. However, you can freeze bread for longer storage.
Butter
Butter is easier to spread when not chilled, so it can be kept in a covered dish at room temperature for a few days. Store it in the fridge if you won’t be using it soon to prevent spoiling.
Cake
Cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, and stored in an airtight container out of direct sunlight for three to seven days. Cakes with cream toppings or fillings need to be refrigerated.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers last about a week at room temperature when uncut. This storage method enhances their flavor. Once cut, cucumbers should be refrigerated to keep them fresh.
Eggs
In the US, eggs need to be refrigerated due to sterilization processes that weaken the eggshell. In Europe, where eggs aren’t sterilized, they can be stored on the countertop.
Melons
Keep unripe whole melons out of the fridge to save space and maintain freshness. If you prefer chilled melon, cut it into pieces and refrigerate for about an hour before serving. Store cut melon in the fridge.
Onions
Store whole onions in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration can cause them to become damp and spoil due to their starch content. Store leftover cut onions in the fridge in a sealed container and use them within a couple of days.