Cold storage is a necessity for some foods, and that why we treat the fridge as a safe-heaven. However, the chilly air of the fridge can have negative effect and some foods shouldn’t be stored there. Do you store bread in a bread box, freezer or fridge? Should you store onions in the fridge or in your pantry? Keeping potatoes in the fridge is thought to be harmful and the cold temperatures can certainly change the taste and texture of some foods. It can even accelerate the spoiling process and reduce their nutritional quality. There are bunch of things that shouldn’t be in the fridge. By removing these foods from there, you will improve their quality and taste and you will free up space.
Tomatoes
If you keep your tomatoes in the fridge, they will lose all their flavor. The cold air stops the ripening process, which actually gives them more flavor. Tomatoes stored in the fridge taste a bit unripe and watery. So, keep in mind to keep them out in a basket or bowl on the counter.
Onions
Much like tomatoes, onions tend to become moldy and mushy if left in the fridge for longer period of time. Store them in a cool and dry place, but not in the same container with your potatoes, because both deteriorate faster. If this veggie has been cut, even if you do wrap it tightly, the layers begin the process of drying up.
Garlic
To preserve the garlic’s powerful flavor, keep it in a dry and cool place. If you put it in the fridge, it will start to sprout and it also may get moldy and rubbery.
Bread
Although refrigeration might keep mold growth at bay, it can dry out your bread quickly. The best place for keeping the bread is on the counter. And if you have more bread than you need, wrap it to retain its moisture and put in the freezer. When you remove it from the freezer, let it thaw slowly before eating.
Potatoes
If you store potatoes in the fridge, the starch in the potatoes will convert to sugar. when fried or baked, the sugar will combine with the amino acid asparagine and produce the chemical acrylamide – which is thought to be harmful. Keep in mind to keep your potatoes in a paper bag in a cool, not cold place. The pantry is ideal place for storing potatoes.