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Foods you shouldn’t keep in the fridge (but probably are)

You may be in the habit of throwing almost all your fruit and veg straight into the fridge when you’ve done your grocery shop, but some products fare better than others when chilled.

1

Tomatoes

Not only can tomatoes get squashed in the vegetable crisper, but the cool temperatures of the fridge can change their flavour and texture. Even if you let your tomatoes return to room temperature, it won’t bring back their full flavour. For a tastier tomato, store them in your fruit bowl. They may not keep as long, but they’ll taste how tomatoes should: sun-ripened and juicy.

2

Avocados

Avocados are also best kept at room temperature so they can ripen naturally. The cool temperature of the fridge will stop the avocado from developing and essentially cause it to freeze in time. If you need your avocado to ripen quickly, pop it in a brown paper bag and store in a drawer. Just don’t forget it’s there!

3

Potatoes

Potatoes are also destined for the pantry. Keeping regular potatoes and sweet potatoes in the fridge can cause their starch to turn into sugar more quickly, resulting in a sweeter and tougher potato. Store your potatoes in a cool dark place, and in a paper bag, not plastic.

4

Bread

Storing your bread in the fridge can cause it to dry out and become stale much quicker. It’s best to keep your bread at room temperature, or freeze it if you plan on keeping it for longer. Just ensure it’s completely thawed before eating.

5

Coffee

The concern with keeping fresh coffee grounds in the fridge is that they may take on other smells, therefore altering the overall flavour. Coffee should be stored in a cool, dark place. An airtight container in your pantry is ideal.

6

Onions

Onions stored in the fridge are prone to take on moisture, turn soft and eventually go rotten. Try keeping them in a cool, dry place (but separate from potatoes) for longevity.

7

Honey

Honey is definitely one spread that doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge. Not only is cold honey hard to spread, it can also crystallise. Even once the jar is open, honey can be stored in the pantry in an airtight container.

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