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23 FOODS YOU SHOULD NOT REFRIGERATE

Refrigeration is important for storing many foods, but in some cases, it is not necessary. Proper food storage is essential to maintaining quality and flavor. When you’re getting creative in the kitchen, whether you’re carefully mixing homemade tahini sauce or whipping up a fresh batch of ice cream, it’s important to learn the ins and outs of food storage to help keep your favorite ingredients fresh. Read on to learn about foods you should not refrigerate and tips for storing your kitchen essentials.

Person adding seasoning to a pan Person adding seasoning to a pan

WHAT FOODS SHOULD NOT BE REFRIGERATED?

To properly store food for meal preparation or maintain an organized fridge and pantry, it’s important to understand that refrigeration isn't always necessary. Some fruits, vegetables, condiments and ingredients are best kept elsewhere. Before storing any items, make sure to review the packaging instructions for guidance on whether they should be refrigerated or not.

Tomato and Ricotta Pizza

1. TOMATOES

Keep your tomatoes juicy, tasty and ready for your next Tomato and Ricotta Pizza by storing them at room temperature rather than in the fridge.

Potatoes in a bowl

2. POTATOES

It's best to store potatoes in a paper bag at room temperature to preserve their texture and flavor. Refrigeration can make them gritty and overly sweet due to the moisture.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart

3. ONIONS

When exposed to excess moisture in the fridge, onions are prone to become moldy before you know it. Store onions in a cool and dry place, and keep them away from potatoes. Your onions will remain fresh and ready to use whenever you need them for recipes like this Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart.

Pickles in a bowl

4. PICKLES

One great thing about pickles is their preservation. They can be stored in the pantry, freeing up valuable fridge space. However, if you're using store-bought options, make sure to check the package instructions for any refrigeration requirements.

Cucumbers in a food processor

5. CUCUMBERS

For optimal preservation of cucumbers, avoid storing them in the fridge as this may cause them to become watery and develop pits. Instead, store them in an airtight container in your pantry or on the countertop.

Bell pepper, cucumber and carrot on a cutting board

6. BELL PEPPERS

For optimal crispness, bell peppers should be stored at room temperature. Keeping them in the fridge can make their exterior less crunchy.

Avocado Grilled Cheese

7. AVOCADOS

Avocados are prone to ripening faster when stored at room temperature than in the fridge. Keep your avocados on the counter and at the ready for making things like delicious Avocado Grilled Cheese.

KitchenAid® stand mixer spiralizing winter squash

8. WINTER SQUASH

Store your winter squashes, such as butternut and acorn, in a cool, dry place and out of the refrigerator.

Red apples

9. APPLES

Apples can remain fresh and delicious for up to a week or two on the counter. After that, put them in the refrigerator to preserve their quality for a longer period.

Bananas and lemon

10. BANANAS

If you want to keep your bananas fresh and avoid premature browning, store them appropriately. Your best options include an open countertop, a pantry or a dedicated banana hook.

No-Bake Lemon Berry Cheesecake Bars

11. BERRIES

To keep berries fresh for a longer time, it's best to store them at room temperature outside the fridge. Moisture build-up may damage the fruit, so it's recommended not to wash them until you're ready to consume. Not only does it help to maintain the ideal texture and flavor, but it also ensures you can enjoy them at their ripest peak. Try No-Bake Lemon Berry Cheesecake Bars with your fresh berries.

 Cut watermelon

12. MELON

To keep your melons fresh, store whole melons outside the fridge until they're ripe. Once sliced, refrigerate the pieces to maintain optimal freshness.

Person slicing bread

13. BREAD

For fresh bread, don't refrigerate. Instead, leave it uncovered at room temperature as long as you are going to finish it by the end of the day. If not, you can store it in a bread box, a paper sack or you can freeze it. When ready to eat, toast to thaw, preserving moisture and flavor.

Ground coffee

14. COFFEE

For a delicious cup of coffee every time, don't refrigerate your grounds or beans. Instead, store them in a cool, dry area at room temperature in an airtight container. This will preserve the captivating aroma and flavor of your beloved brew.

Chocolate on a cutting board

15. CHOCOLATE

Avoid leaving chocolate in the fridge, as it can develop a grainy texture and lose its flavor over time. Instead, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its rich, decadent taste.

Honey in a bowl

16. HONEY

If you keep your honey in the fridge, it can turn hard and lumpy. To keep it smooth and gooey, leave it at room temperature.

Garlic and onion on a cutting board

17. GARLIC

To keep your garlic fresh, avoid refrigerating the bulbs, which can negatively affect their texture. Store them in a cool, dry area, like a pantry or cellar, separate from your cooking space, to achieve the best possible outcome.

Hot sauce in a glass

18. HOT SAUCE

To preserve the rich flavor and intense heat of your hot sauce, it is recommended to store it in the pantry unless otherwise specified on the label.

Nuts in a KitchenAid® food processor

19. NUTS

Preserve the flavor of nuts such as cashews and almonds by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature instead of the refrigerator.

Olive oil

20. OLIVE OIL

To prevent olive oil from solidifying in the refrigerator, it is advised to store it in a cool and dark area in your kitchen.

Peanut butter in a glass jar

21. PEANUT BUTTER

Peanut butter maintains its spreadable consistency at room temperature for three months, after which refrigeration is recommended.

Vinegar in a glass bottle

22. VINEGAR

Vinegar's high acidity levels make it well-suited for storage at room temperature.

Soy sauce and sushi

23. SOY SAUCE

Soy sauce can be stored in a cabinet for up to a year, thanks to its fermentation process. Be sure to follow the instructions on your package, as every product is unique.

Person getting items from a refrigerator

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WHAT FRUITS SHOULD NOT BE REFRIGERATED?

Fruits that should not be refrigerated include bananas, apples, melons, and berries. Keep in mind that many fruits will ripen more quickly when left at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if refrigerated once ripe.

Oranges and other citrus fruits often are best when refrigerated along with cherries, grapefruit, grapes and pineapple.

Person slicing bell pepper on a cutting board Person slicing bell pepper on a cutting board

WHAT VEGETABLES SHOULD NOT BE REFRIGERATED?

Vegetables that should not be refrigerated include avocados, bell peppers, onions and potatoes. Some vegetables that you may want to refrigerate include mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and asparagus.

FOOD STORAGE TIPS

  • Refrigerate or freeze your perishable items right away

  • Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are set to the right temperature

  • Always check the storage directions on your food labels

  • Use foods that are ready to eat as quickly as possible

  • Keep your refrigerator organized so you don’t lose track of expired items

  • Always keep foods covered in the refrigerator

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