10 Surprising Foods You Should Keep In Your Fridge
A lot of people think they know what belongs in the fridge and what doesn’t. You probably already keep milk, cheese, and eggs cold. But did you know that there are some foods you might be keeping in the pantry that would last longer or taste better if you put them in the fridge? Here are ten surprising foods that can benefit from being kept cool.
Keep Nut Butters in the Fridge to Make Them Last Longer
Most people keep jars of peanut butter or almond butter in a cabinet, which isn’t exactly wrong. But if you want your natural nut butter to last longer, it’s best to put it in the fridge. Natural nut butter often separates, with the oil rising to the top. Keeping them cold slows this process and keeps the texture smooth. Plus, the cooler temperature stops the oils from going bad too quickly.
Put Ripe Avocados in the Fridge to Keep Them Fresh Longer
We all know how fast avocados can change. One moment, they’re hard, and the next, they’re too soft and brown. To keep a ripe avocado fresh a little longer, put it in the fridge. The cold temperature slows down the ripening process, giving you more time to use it for guacamole or avocado toast.
Apples Stay Crisp Longer When Stored in the Fridge
Apples are often kept in a fruit bowl on the counter, but putting them in the fridge keeps them fresh and crisp for a longer time. The cool temperature slows down ripening, keeping apples juicy and crunchy for weeks—sometimes even months.
Flaxseeds and Chia Seeds Stay Fresh in the Fridge
Flaxseeds and chia seeds are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but these oils can go bad if they’re kept at room temperature. Storing seeds in the fridge keeps them fresh and keeps their nutrients intact. The fridge also keeps its mild flavor from turning bad.
Store Maple Syrup in the Fridge to Avoid Mold
A lot of people keep maple syrup in the pantry, but once you open it, it’s best to store it in the fridge. Pure maple syrup can grow mold if it sits at room temperature for too long, but keeping it in the fridge keeps it fresh and mold-free for a longer time. This way, you can enjoy your pancakes without worry.
Nut Flours Stay Fresh Longer in the Fridge
Nut flours like almond or coconut flour are popular for baking, especially for gluten-free recipes. Since they have more oils than regular flour, they can go bad quickly if left on the shelf. Putting nut flour in the fridge or freezer keeps them fresh and stops the oils from going bad.
Put Fully Ripe Tomatoes in the Fridge to Keep Them From Spoiling
This might surprise you because a lot of people think tomatoes lose flavor in the fridge. While it’s true that tomatoes should ripen at room temperature, once they are fully ripe, putting them in the fridge helps keep them from spoiling. Just let them come back to room temperature before eating if you want that fresh taste.
Soy Sauce Stays Better Longer When Refrigerated
You might not think soy sauce needs to be in the fridge. It’s safe to keep it in the pantry, but putting it in the fridge keeps its flavor stronger for longer. The cool temperature keeps it from breaking down, so it keeps that salty taste.
Keep Pickles Crunchy by Storing Them in the Fridge
Most pickles are fine on the shelf until they’re opened, but if you want them to stay as crunchy as possible, the fridge is the best place. The cold keeps them from getting soft and helps keep their tangy flavor. Some special types of pickles should always be kept cold, even before opening.
Bread Lasts Longer in the Fridge or Freezer
Most people keep bread on the counter or in a breadbox, but if you’re not going to eat it quickly, putting it in the fridge or freezer can help. Bread in the fridge lasts longer, though it can dry out faster. For the best results, store bread in the freezer and toast slices when you need them. It’s a good way to keep bread from getting moldy.
Not every food needs to be in the fridge, but these ten surprising items can really benefit from the cooler temperature. Keeping these foods in your fridge can make them last longer, keep their flavor, and help reduce food waste. So, when next you’re wondering where to put that jar of nut butter or a loaf of bread, remember the benefits of keeping it cool. Your fridge can do more than you think!
