If you are in the habit of storing these 7 foods in the refrigerator, you are wrong. Here’s why and what they are.
Due to the great heat we are experiencing these days, even food deteriorates more easily . And that’s how the first solution that comes to mind is to put them all in the refrigerator. But is it really the right thing to do ? You will be surprised, but if you have the habit of storing these 7 foods in the refrigerator , you are doing something wrong . Let’s find out what they are.
Be careful with these 7 foods in the refrigerator: bread
Putting food in the refrigerator is a common action that we carry out in good faith, convinced that this way it will last longer and will not deteriorate . However, for some foods in particular the refrigerator is not necessary , in fact, it runs the risk of spoiling our food sooner than expected.
This is the case, for example, of bread . Putting it in the refrigerator may seem like a good idea if we are going to store it for several days , but the reality is that it changes its flavor and texture . Preservation in the refrigerator , in fact, accelerates the maturation of the bread , which in this way dries out sooner and appears more “ chewy .”
Additionally, bread has the ability to absorb odors from other foods stored in the refrigerator, so it may also taste different . However, if we really can’t avoid keeping bread in the refrigerator, we can take some precautions .
For example, it is wiser to opt for freezing: we cut our bread into slices and organize them individually in freezer bags. At that point, simply defrost it and reheat it in the oven to enjoy it freshly baked.
onion and garlic
Also be careful with onion and garlic in the refrigerator. Onions in particular should preferably be stored in a cool, dry place when whole, for example in a cellar or pantry . The ideal temperature for storage is around 7-13° , and they do not like humidity. Therefore, putting them in the refrigerator is not the best solution.
Different situation for chopped onions. In this case, they are likely to deteriorate more easily . For this reason, it is advisable to store them in the refrigerator , possibly in an airtight container so that they are exposed to air as little as possible . This way, you will also prevent the smell of the cut onion from spreading throughout the refrigerator.
What happens with garlic ? Its bulbs , like onions, prefer storage in a dry, cool and well-ventilated environment, such as a pantry . Pay special attention to direct sunlight – it is not recommended at all for whole garlic bulbs.
If, on the other hand, we need to preserve already cut garlic cloves , the refrigerator is the best option to preserve their freshness . As with onions , however, it is advisable to store garlic in an airtight container to protect it and prevent other foods from absorbing the odor .
We can store garlic cloves in the refrigerator on average for up to 2 weeks. However, it should be considered that when it is in the refrigerator, the flavor of garlic changes slightly, becoming more delicate.
Avoid these 7 foods in the refrigerator: avocado and potatoes
Can avocado be stored in the refrigerator? Yes, but it depends on the degree of maturity at the time we store it . An unripe avocado should preferably be kept out of the refrigerator until it is fully ripe. Otherwise, we would slow down its maturation , which would mean having to wait a long time before being able to consume it .
A ripe avocado , on the other hand, can be stored in the refrigerator if we intend to wait a couple of days before consuming it. This way, its freshness will persist longer.
To better store it in the refrigerator, it would be good to wrap the avocado in a napkin or paper bag . By doing so, excess moisture will be absorbed and we will prevent our avocado from ripening too quickly.
The refrigerator is also suitable for an already opened avocado , which can be kept fresh after passing lemon or olive oil over the flesh, to prevent it from oxidizing.
What about the potatoes ? These are vegetables that require a different preservation method than other vegetables . Whole potatoes , in fact, are best preserved in a dark, cool environment with good ventilation . When placed in the refrigerator, the starch inside the potatoes can convert more quickly to sugar , changing their flavor .
If, due to the heat, there is no cool place to store them, we can opt for the refrigerator , however, being careful not to leave the potatoes in the refrigerator for more than a week.
Tomatoes and olive oil
We come to a food whose conservation many often debate: tomatoes . Generally, it is not recommended to store tomatoes in the refrigerator , unless they have reached a high degree of ripeness and we want to store them for a few more days.
Why is the refrigerator not suitable for tomatoes ? Mainly, as a matter of taste : a low temperature can change the texture and flavor of tomatoes, making them less tasty and fibrous . To keep our tomatoes in perfect condition , the ideal is to store them at room temperature , protecting them from direct sun.
However, in case the tomatoes are really very ripe and we need to store them a little longer , we can put them in the refrigerator . Little tip: before consuming them once taken out of the refrigerator, let the tomatoes warm up to room temperature . This way, the taste will be better .
What about olive oil ? The refrigerator , in this case, is absolutely not recommended : the olive oil must be kept cool and in a dark place . The cold of the refrigerator, in fact, can make the oil thicker and cloudier , or lead to the formation of condensation inside the bottle, which would compromise the quality of our oil due to humidity .
Generally, olive oil should be stored at a temperature of 20-25° in an airtight container and away from direct sunlight.