You put groceries in the fridge to prevent them from going bad, but some surprising foods can actually go bad when refrigerated.
They can even poison you if eaten!
Tomatoes are at the center of a debated question. Not whether they are a fruit or vegetable, but rather if they should be stored in the fridge or on the counter.
“So, things like tomatoes might get a little mealy if you put them into the refrigerator,” said Tara Collingwood, a registered dietitian nutritionist.
So, it’s best to store tomatoes on the counter and out of direct sunlight. Onions also do best on the counter.
“Onions can actually get mushy and moldy, and they can flavor other things that might be in the refrigerator,” explained Collingwood.
Onions can specifically grow black mold, which could potentially lead to allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Uncut onions are best stored on the counter away from potatoes. Onions release gases that cause potatoes to sprout faster.
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Now, how about those potatoes?
Potatoes should be stored in a dark place like the pantry or cupboard since cold temperatures can break down the starches in potatoes, making them gritty and sweet.
If a potato has sprouted, it’s safe to eat but remove the sprouts as they are toxic and can affect the nervous system.
And speaking of sprouts…
“Garlic can actually make it sprout when it’s in the refrigerator and kind of make it a little bit rubbery,” said Collingwood.
That’s why unpeeled garlic is best stored on the counter.
Other foods never to put in the fridge are bananas, cucumbers, bell peppers, pickles, basil, avocadoes, melons, and oils, like olive, avocado, vegetable, and coconut oil.
These items do best away from the fridge.
An easy way to figure out whether a food should be stored on the counter or in the fridge is to remember where the item was in the grocery store when you purchased it.
If it was not refrigerated, most likely it will be fine out of the fridge.
For any products in a jar, you want to read the packaging to figure out the best place to store them. But once opened, many canned foods should be refrigerated.
