What should and shouldn’t go into the fridge? That’s a common question most people struggle with. Growing up, you may have watched your grandma, aunt, or mum store some items in the pantry and others in the refrigerator.
Unfortunately, what you may have been led to believe may not be as true as you could be refrigerating some things you shouldn’t and storing items in the pantry or kitchen counter when they should be refrigerated.
Refrigerating these 15 foods is highly recommended to extend their shelf life, preserve their flavor/texture, and prevent spoilage from bacteria or mold growth. Once you know which foods to refrigerate and which to leave in your pantry, you’ll be better able to make informed choices about food storage.
So here are 15 food items that experts warn people to always refrigerate.
1. Dairy Products
All dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter, should always be in the fridge. It helps maintain the flavor and texture of cheese and butter.
Keeping milk in the fridge preserves its texture, natural taste, and nutritional value. To extend its freshness, ensure milk is stored in its original container and securely sealed.
Refrigeration also slows mold and bacteria growth, extending cheese and butter’s shelf life and freshness. Store cheese in securely wrapped plastic or airtight containers. Soft cheese can remain fresh for about two weeks in the fridge, while hard cheeses can last up to six months. Butter should be in a covered dish or its original wrapper to prevent air exposure that can accelerate spoilage and oxidation.
2. All Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are best stored in the refrigerator. Keeping your oranges in the low-humidity crisper draw in a mesh bag can extend their shelf life for up to a month. Ensure the temperature is between 41 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Put your lemons and lies in a sealed ziplock bag before placing them in the fridge.
3. Natural Peanut Butter
Unlike store-bought peanut butter, natural, homemade peanut butter should be refrigerated, as heat and humidity can make it go rancid. Once opened, it should be consumed within three months. Refrigeration also helps to extend its shelf life and prevent oil separation.
4. Tortillas
Refrigerating your tortillas, whether corn or flour, helps extend their shelf life and preserve their freshness. Keep them in an airtight storage container or resealable plastic bag. You can use them for up to two weeks.
5. Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, chives, tarragon, and oregano are best kept in the refrigerator to prevent decay and preserve flavor. That’s because exposure to oxygen, light, and warm temperatures causes them to decay. Place them in a plastic vegetable bag after wrapping them in a damp paper towel in the fridge when you ge from the supermarket.
Avoid storing hardy herbs like basil and rosemary in the fridge, as their leaves are delicate and can turn black.
6. Eggs
There’s a popular belief that eggs are safe at room temperature and don’t need to be refrigerated.
However, according to USDA, you must refrigerate your eggs immediately from the store. Place them where temperatures are 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less and on an inside shelf as the temperature is constant compared to the door section that is frequently opened. Raw whole eggs can last up to five weeks in the refrigerator.
7. Opened Salad Dressings, Jams, and Condiments
The USDA recommends storing any opened salad dressings, jams, and condiments in the refrigerator for up to two months. That includes ketchup, hot sauces, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
8. Mayonnaise
Although mayonnaise contains shelf-stable ingredients/preservatives and can be safely left in your pantry, it should be stored in the refrigerator for freshness and to preserve the flavor. Refrigeration also helps to retain the creamy mayonnaise texture and slow down bacteria growth.
9. Vegetables
All your broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, carrots, lettuce, and leafy vegetables should be refrigerated. Keep them in cold, moist storage at 32-39 degrees Fahrenheit. The crisper section of your refrigerator is the best place to store these vegetables. Nutritional experts advise against washing your vegetables as this could expose them to moisture and reduce their freshness.
Other vegetables like winter squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and onions are best kept at room temperature.
10. Cured and Processed Meats
You should store all your freshly sliced cured and processed meats in the lowest part of the fridge in a container with an airtight seal. The vegetable section of the refrigerator is ideal as it’s less cold. That prevents the meat from losing its flavor and hardening.
Wrapping the processed and cured meats in foil or plastic prevents mold growth and moisture buildup. Make sure to use the refrigerated meats within 3-5 days. If you wish to preserve cured meats for several months, experts recommend vacuum packaging them before freezing them.
11. Berries
While your strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries look pretty on the countertop, they quickly get spoiled after a day. Nutritional experts recommend storing all your berries in a wide container in the refrigerator.
Before placing your berries, line the container with paper towels to prevent moisture absorption. Loosely cover the berries to prevent them from over-ripening. If you plan to keep your berries longer, consider freezing them in plastic bags or freezer containers. They can last in the freezer for up to six months.
12. Raw Meats
Raw beef, poultry, or seafood should be refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Ensure you place the meat in containers or airtight containers to prevent juices from spreading to other foods, as they may contain harmful bacteria. The bottom shelf of your refrigerator is the best place to store raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
13. Nuts and Seeds
Contrary to popular belief, nuts shouldn’t be stored in your pantry unless you plan to consume them immediately. Nuts have unsaturated fats; exposure to oxygen, light, and heat can make them rancid, leaving you with a bitter and less flavorful taste.
Refrigerating your nuts and seeds in an airtight container allows them to stay fresh for longer and reduces their exposure to external elements.
Experts believe that nuts can last up to six months in the refrigerator and up to a year in the freezer.
14. Pumpkin and Pecan Pies
All homemade pumpkin and pecan pies need to be refrigerated. According to the USDA, pecan and pumpkin pies have eggs, and leaving them out at room temperature encourages bacteria growth due to microbial contamination and could lead to foodborne illness.
The only exception to this rule is store-bought pies, which have preservatives and shelf-stable ingredients, which makes them safe to eat when stored at room temperature.
15. Fermented Foods
Sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and any pickled foods need to be refrigerated, especially after opening them. These foods retain moisture, and placing them back in the pantry after opening them can increase the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness. Storing them in the refrigerator preserves their freshness and allows them to last longer.
20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)
A well-stocked pantry can provide peace of mind and empower you to handle any situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic instability, or simply unexpected guests, having a stash of versatile essential foods can make all the difference.
Here’s a list of 20 of the best foods to stockpile, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)
12 Everyday Foods Some People Just Can’t Stand
When it comes to their foods, some people are just picky eaters. It’s surprising how certain popular foods can be so divisive. While many people love them, others can’t stand the taste, texture, or even the idea of eating them. Here are some surprising foods that some people just can’t stand.
Leave a Reply