15 items your refrigerator doesn’t need

amaka inyese

August 16, 2015 2:08 AM

Not all items need to be kept under a very cold temperature. we sometime even turn our refrigerators to a store room.

refrigerated-food

Full house? We are glad you got company. Not all items need to be kept under a very cold temperature. We sometimes even turn our refrigerators to a store room.

Full refrigerator as a result, we can surely be of help, below are some tips to save you valuable space in your refrigerator. Follow these tips to ensure "the full house" plus gets wholesome food

READ: Fast food just got better

1. Honey: Your luscious honey will turn to crystallized gunk if it is stored in the fridge. Store it at room temperature and out of direct sunlight for happy honey.

2. Tomatoes: Tomatoes actually start losing their flavour and become quite mushy if left in the fridge. Leave on the counter and use when they have a slight give to the outside skin.

3. Apples: Apples, just like tomatoes, start to loose flavour and texture after spending time in the fridge. Leave them on the counter, and toss them in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to eating if you want a crisp bite.

4. Onions: The best place for onions is in a paper bag in a cool, dark cabinet or drawer. If stored in the fridge, they soften and impart an oniony scent on nearby foods.

5. Peanut butter: Peanut butter does just fine stored in a cool, dark cupboard.

6. Bread: You might be tempted to store bread in the fridge, but it actually dries out faster. Instead, store it in a cool cupboard or bread box for a fresh slice.

7. Bananas: Leave those bananas on the counter, and if they turn brown before you get to them, toss them in the freezer to make banana bread at a later date.

8. Avocados: Store avocados on the counter and any leftovers in the fridge. But they’ll lose flavour, so it’s a good idea to use a whole one when making the cut.

9. Peppers: Red, green, yellow, and even chili peppers are just fine stored in a paper bag in a cool cupboard or drawer.

10. Ketchup: your ketchup is just fine in your pantry even after it has been opened. Because of the amount of vinegar and preservatives, it will do just fine (think ketchup packets at your favourite fast-food restaurant).

11. Jam: Due to the high amount of preservatives in jams and jellies, they are also OK to store in the pantry after opening.

12 . Garlic: Store garlic in a paper bag in a cool, dark spot, and it holds its wonderful flavour for weeks.

13. Spices: Ground spices do not need to be refrigerated. Ever.

14 . Coffee: Many think coffee deserves a special place in the fridge or freezer, but it actually is best at room temperature so its natural oils can really flavour your favourite cup of ice. Buy in small batches for really fragrant, and rich, morning coffee.

15 . Some salad dressings: Just like other condiments, most salad dressing, especially ones that are vinegar- or oil-based, are just fine stored outside the fridge. Cream-, yogurt-, or mayo-based dressings should be stored in the fridge.

amaka inyese