Foods That Don't Belong in the Fridge

Do you ever open your refrigerator and feel stressed by the cluttered shelves and drawers? It’s likely you’re stuffing grocery items into the cool temperatures without a second thought. When you’re mindlessly putting your kitchen staples into their places, you typically don’t wonder whether or not you’re storing them in the correct location. Instead, you rush to put them away and move on with your day. But the truth is, we need to pay more attention to where we’re storing our favorite food items.

Although there are debates about what does and doesn’t belong in your refrigerator, I’m here to tell you what items you should definitely remove from your refrigerator shelves. Not only will you declutter your fridge, but your groceries will taste significantly better when stored correctly. These are 30 foods that don’t belong in your refrigerator.

Tomatoes

ripe tomatoes should be kept on your counter, uncovered. When kept in the refrigerator, their flavor is affected. The cold temperatures reduce the functionality of the genes that allow the fruit to properly ripen.

Coffee

To keep coffee at its best, it should be stored in a dark, airtight container and not inside your refrigerator. Cool temperatures create moisture, which dulls the taste of coffee beans and grounds. If you want your coffee to keep its aroma and flavor, keep it stored at room temperature.

Potatoes

If you’re attempting to safely store your potatoes, avoid the refrigerator. Uncooked potatoes are best kept in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Low temperatures will turn starch into sugar at a quicker rate, which is why they should never be stored in the fridge.

Nuts

Nuts belong in the pantry if you plan to eat them in the near future. They will remain fresh at room temperature for a few months. That being said, if you don’t plan to eat them right away, they should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer (just know they may not taste as good when stored at a cooler temperature).

Onions

If you want to extend the shelf life of your onions by up to 30 days, move them from the refrigerator to the pantry. Like potatoes, the starches in onions are converted into sugars at a quicker rate when stored at cooler temperatures. The best way to store onions is by keeping them in a mesh bag in your kitchen cabinet.

Spices

Ground spices should always be stored in a kitchen cupboard or on a spice rack. These long-lasting ingredients are best kept at room temperature because they’re affected by heat, light, and moisture.

Melons

Watermelons and honeydew melons taste better and last longer when stored at room temperature. According to a study that appeared in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, melons decay in less than a week when stored in the refrigerator which is reason enough to leave them on your counter rather than in your fridge.

Squash

Winter squashes should be kept out of the refrigerator because humidity causes produce to quickly deteriorate. Not only will squash last longer at room temperature, but it will also taste better.

Garlic

If you typically store your garlic in the fridge, remove it immediately. When refrigerated, garlic bulbs grow moldy due to increased moisture. They also begin to sprout because of the cold temperatures which is an indication that it’s being stored incorrectly. The best way to store garlic is in mesh bags or loosely woven baskets.

Oil

The majority of oils you use on a regular basis should be stored in the pantry. Extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, and peanut oil taste best when stored in a cool, dry location. To maximize the shelf-life of these cooking oils, keep them out of the direct sunlight as well.

Nutella

Nutella is a delicious chocolate and hazelnut spread with a relatively short shelf life. Although you may believe storing it in the refrigerator is the best option, the chilly temperatures will harden the product so it’s no longer spreadable. Instead, place your jar of nutella in a cool, dry place and keep the lid tightly sealed.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins should be stored properly in order to extend their shelf life. Extremely cold and extremely warm temperatures can be harmful to pumpkins, which is why it’s recommended to keep them in a controlled environment like a pantry or cupboard.