Refrigerating food is often seen as the best way to keep ingredients fresh, but some foods actually deteriorate when chilled.
Here’s a list of items that should be kept out of the fridge to maintain their flavor and quality:
1. Cucumbers
Uncut cucumbers last about a week at room temperature and taste better when stored this way. Once cut, they should be refrigerated to keep fresh.
2. Butter
Butter spreads more easily when kept at room temperature for a few days in a covered dish. If you won’t use it soon, refrigerate it to prevent it from spoiling.
3. Onions
Store whole onions in a cool, dark place rather than in the fridge, as refrigeration makes them damp and speeds up spoilage due to their starch content. Leftover cut onions should be kept in the fridge in a sealed container and used within a few days.
4. Avocados
Keep unripe avocados at room temperature for 4-7 days to allow them to ripen. Storing them in the fridge can slow down the ripening process and cause them to spoil more quickly. Once ripe, they can be placed in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them.
5. Cake
Cakes are best served at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container, away from sunlight, for 3-7 days. Cakes with cream fillings or toppings should be kept in the fridge.
6. Melons
Whole unripe melons should be kept out of the fridge to stay fresh. If you prefer chilled melon, cut it up and refrigerate for an hour before serving. Once cut, melons should be stored in the fridge.
7. Bananas
Bananas require warm temperatures (59-68°F or 15-20°C) to ripen properly. Putting them in the fridge halts ripening and causes their skin to turn black.
8. Eggs
In the U.S., eggs need refrigeration due to sterilization, which weakens the eggshell. In Europe, eggs don’t require refrigeration as they are not sterilized.
9. BREAD
If you plan to consume bread within a few days, store it on the counter or in a bread box, as refrigeration can make it stale. To extend its shelf life, bread can be frozen.