Foods That Should Not Be Refrigerated

To refrigerate or not to refrigerate is the true question here. Today I am going to share a list of foods that should not be refrigerated. You might be surprised that some of these are foods you might have stashed away in your fridge now. Some foods have to be stored in the fridge to stay fresh, while others are at their prime when stored at room temperature.

The chilly fridge air can have negative effects on certain foods, so when you put an item in the fridge that doesn’t belong it can speed up the spoiling process, change the flavors and consistency and more. Intrigued yet? Keep scrolling to see those foods that store best in the cupboard or counter.

13 Foods That Should Not Be Refrigerated and How to Store

Coffee Beans and Grounds

No matter the style of your coffee, ground or beans, it is best stored in an airtight container on the counter or in a cupboard. The cold air in the fridge or freezer creates condensation that can compromise the flavor of your coffee.

Bread

Don’t put your loaf of bread in the fridge, as it can dry it out a lot faster. Save what you will eat right away, and then freeze the rest.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are best left on the counter. When you put them in the fridge the cold air stops them from ripening and breaks down cell membranes and changes the flavors.

Onions

If you store your onions in the fridge, they will go soft and mold a lot faster. Store them in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from potatoes, as storing them near one another will make both of them go bad faster.

Whole Melons

Watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe are best when stored on the counter when they are whole. Once you cut them up, then store in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you store them on the counter before you slice into them, it helps keep their antioxidants intact!

Hot Sauce

This spicy sauce can store nicely in a cupboard in your pantry for up to three years after it has been opened.

Honey

Honey is good left in a cupboard or your pantry. When you keep in the fridge it can cause it to crystallize.

Winter Squash

Spaghetti squash, acorn, butternut all do best in your pantry. They can last for about one month when not stored in the fridge and in the pantry instead.

Potatoes

Over time cold temps will begin to break down the starches in potatoes and make the texture off as well as the taste. Store in a cool dry dark space.

Basil

This might surprise you but basil is best stored outside of the refrigerator. It can absorb smells of foods in the fridge. Keep in a glass of water on counter or blanch and freeze.

Avocado

If your avocado isn’t fully ripe, don’t refrigerate. Store in a dark dry place, like a paper bag. This will help ripen it so you can enjoy it faster. If you don’t use the whole avocado then you can refrigerate the leftover. If you have a few avocados that are ripe, and you want to try to prevent them from over-ripening, then store in the fridge.

Garlic

To preserve the flavor of garlic, store in a cool dry, and ventilated area. Once you break the head open, use the clove within 10 days, or toss it out.