9 Foods You Should Never Refrigerate

Are you ever unsure about what should be stored in the fridge and what shouldn’t be? Here is a list of 9 common foods you probably purchase regularly that should never be stored in the refrigerator.

1. Coffee

Many people love to store their coffee beans and grounds in the fridge thinking it keeps them fresher. Coffee should be stored, however, at room temperature.

2. Winter Squash

3. Potatoes

Store potatoes in paper bags in a dark and dry area, such as a pantry. Storing potatoes in plastic can cause them to spoil faster. Refrigerating potatoes can reduce their flavor faster.

4. Garlic

Do not store your garlic cloves in the fridge. Garlic can be kept for weeks, and sometimes even months, at room temperature. Refrigerating garlic will make it go bad faster.

5. Onions

Onions will last longer if stored at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator. They will get softer and mold faster in the fridge because of the cool temperature and humidity. Further, onions can emit a strong smell causing your other produce and refrigerated items to take on that pungent onion smell.

6. Stone Fruits

Stone fruits such as peaches, apricots, nectarines and plums, that are not yet ripe should be stored outside of the fridge. Once ripened, stone fruits can be stored inside the fridge in the crisper.

7. Tomatoes

Refrigerating tomatoes can cause them to become more mealy. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature before they are sliced. Cut tomatoes should however, be stored in the fridge.

8. Hot Sauce

Unless your hot sauce specifically indicates that it should be refrigerated, it is best to keep your bottled hot sauces out of the fridge. Refrigeration can cause ingredients to separate and change the flavor of the sauce.

9. Honey

Honey can be frozen but not refrigerated. Honey will crystalize in the fridge and, even though it will still be edible, it is more difficult to serve.