Did You Know | Food

7 Foods You Should Never Put In The Fridge (And 7 You Should)

<div><p>In the past we've shared <a href="https://www.shared.com/can-you-spot-whats-wrong-with-this-photo/">the best way to arrange the food in your fridge</a>. It may seem like something silly to concentrate on, but keeping your food in the right place is important for so many reasons. It can make your ingredients last longer, stay fresher, tastier, and save you a lot of money over time. <a href="https://www.shared.com/to-refrigerate-or-not-to-refrigerate-that-is-the-question-this-is-the-answer/">The debate is still raging for some ingredients</a>, but there are others we know you should never put in the fridge. </p><p></p><p><strong>1. Onions</strong></p><p>These vegetables turn soft and moldy when you leave them in the refrigerator, because the moisture affects them badly. Leave them in your pantry until they're chopped and they'll last for months.</p><div><figure><a href="http://www.thealternativedaily.com/bring-down-fever-with-onions/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/onions.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/onions_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/onions_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://www.thealternativedaily.com/bring-down-fever-with-onions/" target="_blank">The Alternative Daily</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>2. Tomatoes</strong></p><p>You may think you don't like the taste of tomatoes, but you can't be sure until you've had a fresh one. Storing tomatoes in the fridge makes them stop ripening, so they turn flavorless. Leave them on the counter instead.</p><div><figure><a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/foods/tomatoes/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/fresh-tomatoes-on-a-wooden-table.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/fresh-tomatoes-on-a-wooden-table_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/foods/tomatoes/" target="_blank">Authority Nutrition</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p></p><p><strong>3. Bread</strong></p><p>This is another food people can't seem to agree on, but the fact is a plastic bag will keep a sliced loaf fresh without any help from your fridge. The cold actually makes your bread go stale.</p><div><figure><a href="http://pinchmysalt.com/bread-bakers-apprentice-challenge-light-wheat-bread/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/IMG_8325-Version-2-1.jpg" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://pinchmysalt.com/bread-bakers-apprentice-challenge-light-wheat-bread/" target="_blank">Pinch My Salt</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>4. Peppers</strong></p><p>We've gotten used to putting all our vegetables in <a href="https://www.shared.com/this-fridge-commercial-from-the-50s-proves-they-dont-make-em-like-they-used-to/">the crisper</a>, but these crunchy veggies actually taste better when you leave them in a basket on the counter.</p><div><figure><a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/foods/bell-peppers/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/different-peppers-on-a-wooden-table.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/different-peppers-on-a-wooden-table_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/foods/bell-peppers/" target="_blank">Authority Nutrition</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>5. Basil and other herbs</strong></p><p>Leaving herbs in your fridge will actually make them wilt and absorb the smells inside, changing their flavor. Instead, leave them in a cup of water like cut flowers.</p><div><figure><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266425.php" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/basil-lead-on-cutting-board.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/basil-lead-on-cutting-board_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/basil-lead-on-cutting-board_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266425.php" target="_blank">Medicinal Herbs Today</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p></p><p><strong>6. Cake</strong></p><p>After a party your first instinct is to slide the leftover cake into the fridge, But not so fast! Cake will actually stay freshest in an airtight container in your kitchen. The exceptions are buttercream cakes, ganache cakes and ice cream cakes (obviously).</p><div><figure><a href="http://cake-spiration-blog.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/tumblr_lswx1i79uT1r3e7e0o1_1280.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/tumblr_lswx1i79uT1r3e7e0o1_1280_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://cake-spiration-blog.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Cakespiration</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>7. Anything besides food</strong></p><p>There are lots of rumors and ubran legends that leaving household objects like batteries or makeup in your fridge will keep them "fresh." Aside from some medicated creams, there's no truth to this.</p><div><figure><a href="http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/rechargeable-aa-batteries-lowres-4812.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/rechargeable-aa-batteries-lowres-4812_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries/" target="_blank">The Wirecutter</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>Click the next page to learn what DOES belong in your fridge!</strong></p><p></p><p></p><p>Even if you already knew everything on the last page, you're bound to learn something new here. Aside from a few veggies, it's pretty easy to tell what doesn't belong in the fridge. On the other hand, there are some surprising foods you would never even think to keep cold.</p><p></p><p><strong>1. Red wine</strong></p><p>Unlike white wine, reds don't need to be chilled before you serve. But <strong>after</strong>, you should re-cork and chill your bottle too keep it from getting a vinegar-ey taste. Uncork and let the whine "breathe" at room temperature before serving again.</p><div><figure><a href="http://www.thecommentator.com/article/6191/no_more_cheers_for_britain" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/Wine.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/Wine_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://www.thecommentator.com/article/6191/no_more_cheers_for_britain" target="_blank">The commentator</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p></p><p><strong>2. Tortillas</strong></p><p>We know what you're thinking: we just told you not to chill your bread on the last page. Well tortillas are a little different. These wraps won't go stale after a few days in the cold, in fact they can last up to a month in your fridge.</p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/20100629-tortillas-11.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/20100629-tortillas-11_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>Serious Eats</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>3. Maple Syrup</strong></p><p>The regular pancake syrup most people buy can stay in your cupboard, but true maple syrup doesn't contain preservatives, and mold can grow inside your bottle unless it's chilled.</p><div><figure><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/news/maple-syrup-could-help-to-prevent-alzheimers-scientists-say/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/pancake-large_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwfSVWeZ_vEN7c6bHu2jJnT8.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/pancake-large_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwfSVWeZ_vEN7c6bHu2jJnT8_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/pancake-large_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwfSVWeZ_vEN7c6bHu2jJnT8_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/news/maple-syrup-could-help-to-prevent-alzheimers-scientists-say/" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>4. Almost anything organic</strong></p><p>Nut butters, fresher versions of processed food and anything labeled "organic" needs to be kept cold. They're less likely to contain preservatives, so they should be kept in the fridge to stay fresh.</p><div><figure><a href="http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/how-to-make-homemade-peanut-butter/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/O.JPG" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/O_GH_content_550px.JPG 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/O_GH_content_650px.JPG 650w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/O_GH_content_750px.JPG 750w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/how-to-make-homemade-peanut-butter/" target="_blank">One Green Planet</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p></p><p><strong>5. Ripe avocados and bananas</strong></p><p>The rule of thumb is any fruit you put in the fridge will stop ripening, so if you leave ripe avocados and bananas in the fridge they won't rot before you have a chance to eat them.</p><div><figure><a href="https://www.undergroundhealth.com/15-amazing-health-benefits-of-eating-avocados/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/Haas-Avocado-Board-700x400.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/Haas-Avocado-Board-700x400_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/Haas-Avocado-Board-700x400_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="https://www.undergroundhealth.com/15-amazing-health-benefits-of-eating-avocados/" target="_blank">Underground Health</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>6. Eggs</strong></p><p>You might have read that an egg's shell keeps it safe from bacteria, and that's true in most countries. But eggs in America are given an extra wash to keep salmonella off, which peels off an outside layer. That means eggs have to be chilled to keep bacteria out.</p><div><figure><a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/should-you-refrigerate-eggs/" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/brown-and-white-eggs.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/brown-and-white-eggs_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/should-you-refrigerate-eggs/" target="_blank">Authority Nutrition</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p></p><p><strong>7. Ketchup</strong></p><p>That's right folks, just read the label. Unless you're using up a whole bottle of this sauce in a month, you should keep it cold. Otherwise bacteria could grow inside the bottle.</p><div><figure><a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34052147" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/_85174513_85174508.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/_85174513_85174508_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/_85174513_85174508_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34052147" target="_blank">BBC </a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><strong>Share these lists if you learned something new!</strong></p></div>

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