A fridge is a necessity to store food, however, its cold chilly temperature can have a negative effect on some healthy favorites.
So here in this section, we have put forth a list of food items that fare best when kept out of the fridge.
1. Banana
Bananas grow in hot climates; as a result, they are unused to the cold temperatures. If they are refrigerated, the enzymes that enable them to ripen are inhibited. This in turn causes the banana’s skin to turn completely black.
The chilled temperature also causes loss of aroma and loss of vitamin C in bananas.
So how should we store them instead?
If you want to include bananas in your regular healthy diet plan – store them at room temperature, especially when they’re green and not yet ripened.
2. Potato
You shouldn’t be storing raw potatoes in the fridge since it can lead to the formation of acrylamide during cooking. Acrylamide causes cancer in animals and there are fears it could have the same effect on humans.
Refrigeration also alters its sugar content, as a result, the flavour and texture of the vegetable are affected.
So how should we store them instead?
Cool, dark and well-ventilated places are best for potatoes.
3. Onion
Onions become damp and soggy when refrigerated. Moreover, the cold, humid temperatures convert its starch into sugars. That’s not all! They also skunk up your fridge and make everything smelly.
So how should we store them instead?
➢ Cool, dark and well-ventilated places are best for raw onions.
➢ Sliced or chopped raw onions in salads can be refrigerated in airtight containers, but ensure you consume them as soon as possible.
4. Honey
Honey can crystallize and seize up in cold temperatures. It could hamper the taste and flavour of this syrup as well.
So how should we store them instead?
Room temperature, away from direct sunlight , is ideal to keep this natural sweetener in perfect condition.
5. Coffee Beans
Storing coffee in the refrigerator is a bad idea. Coffee absorbs moisture, odours and flavours from the air around it. It can damage the distinct flavour and taste of your beans really quickly.
So how should we store them instead?
Keep your coffee beans in an airtight container in a dark space such as your kitchen, away from sunlight, heat, steam and moisture.
6. Garlic
Garlic deteriorates at a quicker pace when stored in the refrigerator – this is due to the added moisture indoors. As a result, even its flavour and texture gets affected.
On the contrary, leftover peeled cloves or chopped garlic will stay in the fridge for a couple of weeks – if stored in small portions. However, this method is not a good option for long-term storing.
So how should we store them instead?
This immune boosting food item is best stored in a dry area at room temperature. Wire or mesh container/basket is the best storage option to allow airflow.
7. Bread
The starch molecules in bread recrystallize very quickly at cool temperatures. This is why, the bread turns stale much faster when refrigerated.
So how should we store them instead?
Recently purchased loaves of bread should be kept in an air-tight plastic bag at room temperature.
The best way to store bread for long periods is to slice it and freeze it. It remains fresh for 2-3 weeks like this. When you want to consume frozen bread, take it out and toast it. Do not thaw.
8. Oil
Oil hardens and becomes cloudy and grainy when refrigerated. While this doesn’t do any lasting damage, it’s a pain to wait for the oil to warm up before it flows properly again. The only oils that you can refrigerate are nut-based oils.
So how should we store them instead?
Always store oil bottles/cans in a dark cabinet in your kitchen.
9. Ghee
Just like oil, ghee hardens and becomes cloudy when refrigerated. Though it doesn’t degrade or damage the quality of the food item.
So how should we store them instead?
Store ghee at room temperature. Opt for airtight glass container or steel pots to store ghee for daily use. Do not let moisture enter your ghee as it will result in spoilage and may promote bacterial growth as well.
Some ingredients simply aren’t made for colder temperatures. So ensure you store your food items correctly. It will not only reduce food wastage but will also give your fridge some breathing space.
If you are looking for tips on how to include these food items in your healthy diet plan, pregnancy diet plan or child’s diet plan, get in touch with Kanupriya Khanna. A registered dietician in Delhi, Kanupriya will not only offer you a customized diet plan as per your needs but will also help you set new nutrition goals.
