Buzz
Photo: LightStock/Getty ImagesAlthough the fridge might seem like the go-to place for storing all types of food, that's not always the case—some foods are better off outside it. While the refrigerator is commonly used for storing vegetables and fruits, (meats and dairy, of course, belong there), this isn’t a universal rule. Some veggies and condiments prefer warmer conditions than those found in a cold fridge, and placing them in the fridge can actually reduce their shelf life and even affect their quality.
By following these tips, you’ll learn the best places to store your food for optimal longevity—saving money and cutting down on food waste. With a little luck, you’ll never find yourself grabbing a loaf of bread that's already gone stale again.
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil should always be kept in a dark, sealed container at room temperature, never in the fridge. Li explains that when olive oil is refrigerated, "crystals will form, and the oil will become cloudy and begin to solidify." He adds that if it's kept cold, "you’ll need to let it warm up to restore its flavor and liquid form."
2. Potatoes
Refrigerating potatoes negatively impacts their flavor, so it’s best to store them in the pantry in paper bags. Plastic bags trap moisture, which accelerates spoilage. Most varieties of potatoes should remain fresh for up to three weeks.
3. Bananas
"Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and offer helpful dietary fiber," says Li. To maximize their nutritional benefits, it’s ideal to store bananas outside the fridge. Li explains, "Bananas should be kept at room temperature to aid in ripening, not in the fridge." Avoid storing bananas next to certain fruits (like avocados) if you don’t want to speed up their ripening process.
4. Bread
Storing bread in the refrigerator quickly dries it out. Instead, keep the bread you plan to eat within four days at room temperature, and freeze the rest for later use.
5. Onions
Onions prefer to be stored in their original mesh bag (or any bag that allows airflow) in the pantry. Just make sure to keep them away from potatoes, as their moisture and gases can cause the onions to spoil.
6. Garlic
"Garlic should be kept in a cool, dry place," advises Dr. Li. "When stored in the fridge, garlic becomes soft and dries out, which causes it to start sprouting."
Garlic stays fresh in the pantry for around two months. Store garlic loose so air can circulate around it.
7. Batteries
Store batteries in a drawer at room temperature. Exposure to extreme cold or heat can reduce their effectiveness.
8. Tomatoes
"Tomatoes lose their flavor and texture in the fridge, and their cells start to break down," explains Dr. Li. Storing tomatoes in the fridge can make them mealy, so it's better to leave them on the counter and out of plastic bags. To accelerate ripening, keep them in a paper bag. Once ripe, they’ll last for about three days.
9. Coffee
The fridge (and the freezer) creates condensation, which can alter the taste of both ground coffee and whole coffee beans.
"In the fridge, coffee beans quickly absorb the odors of other foods, ruining the classic taste of a great cup of joe," says Dr. Li. "Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark location."
10. Winter Squashes
Squash varieties such as acorn, butternut, delicata, and spaghetti can last a month or longer when stored whole in the pantry. Once sliced, however, they should be kept in the refrigerator inside an airtight container.
11. Nail Polish
Placing nail polish in the fridge can cause it to thicken. To maintain its consistency, store it at room temperature and keep it out of direct sunlight.
12. Hot Sauce
Hot sauce stays fresh for up to three years in the pantry, so there’s no need to refrigerate it.
