Not Fridge Safe: Keep These 5 Things Away From The Refrigerator At All Times

The way you choose to store your food can often mean the difference between wholesome goodness and less-than-adequate nutrition. That is why when you are not sure of what to put in the fridge, it is imperative that you do your research. This is because the cold temperatures of the refrigerator can kill the nutrients in the food. To ease things for you, we’ve compiled a handy list of 5 common food items you should NEVER refrigerate.

Potatoes

Yes, even though you put a majority of your vegetables in the fridge, potatoes shouldn't be one of them. The first indication of refrigerated potatoes is that they are discoloured. Alternatively, they may start discolouring when you cook them; they may even taste a bit off. While this may not sound like a big deal, consuming refrigerated potatoes can be disastrous for people who need to watch their sugar intake (example: diabetics and even pre-diabetics). This is because the cold temperature of the fridge can turn the starch in the potatoes into simple sugar — a process that should ideally occur in your digestive tract, spiking your blood sugar level.

Unpeeled Onions

Unpeeled onions should never feature on your list of things to keep in the fridge. This is because they need air to survive, the same way you do. When you store onions in the fridge, they start turning into mush. They also lose their natural crunchiness and become much softer. Leave them in a basket on the counter, away from moisture. However, if you have peeled onions in your home, you should store them in the fridge. This will prevent them from going bad. Although food can last for days in the refrigerator, it is better to use your peeled onions for your next meal so that it doesn’t lie in your fridge for extended periods.

Dry Fruits

Dry fruits are expensive and no one wants theirs to go bad. Despite this, they are still on the list of foods not to refrigerate. You may think that you are prolonging their life by refrigerating them, but you are, in fact, negatively affecting their quality. If you consume dry fruits that have been stored in the fridge, you may notice that they do not taste the same. This is because cold temperatures make them lose their nutty flavour. Moreover, when you store dry fruits in the fridge, you also run the risk of allowing them to absorb odours from other foods in your fridge, such as meat, that would spoil the taste of the dried fruits. The next time you bring home a pack of almonds and cashews, store it in an airtight container to preserve them. That is really all you need to do.

Basil

Basil is one of the most-delicious and aromatic herbs available in the market. It imparts a savoury flavour to the dish you add it to. But you should not refrigerate basil under any circumstances. This is because the cold air of the fridge makes the basil wilt much faster than it would normally when stored outside. It also dries the herb out, making it lose some of its lovely aroma and flavour. Store your basil outside the refrigerator. Just ensure that it is in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and too much heat.

Melons

Whole cantaloupes, melons, and watermelons do not belong in the fridge. According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the cold temperature of the fridge destroys the nutrients in the fruits. Moreover, it also has a negative impact on the antioxidant properties of the fruits. When you end up eating melons that have been stored in the fridge, you are essentially just eating food that has no nutritional value. Therefore, you should store your melons on the counter. However, once you’ve cut the fruit open, you’re left with no choice but to store them in the fridge to prevent them from being spoiled. It is important to understand that different temperatures have different effects on your food. Certain items — along with the ones mentioned above — such as honey, olive oil, canned foods, garlic, and unripe tomatoes — belong on your kitchen counter (or in your storage cupboard) and not the fridge. Putting them in the fridge can not only ruin their taste, but can also lead to ill-health if consumed. As a rule, it is also important to note that you should never store an open can of food directly in the fridge. Once you have opened the can, you should transfer the leftovers into a bowl or any other container and then put it in the fridge. [av_promobox button='yes' label='Consult a Physician on MediBuddy' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello'] Eating healthy lays the groundwork for excellent health. If you are eating healthy and still have complications, you should consult a doctor immediately to know what troubles your body.  [/av_promobox]