There are 5 foods you should not store in your refrigerator:
- Tomatoes should be left at room temperature. When stored in the refrigerator tomatoes become mealy and have less taste.
- Like tomatoes, basil does not like the cold. Basil can be stored just like fresh flowers, simply cut and place in a cup or vase of water (change the water every 2-3 days.)
- Potatoes prefer cool, not cold or warm temperatures. Place potatoes in a paper bag, with holes to prevent moisture, and store in your pantry for the best taste and shelf life. Cold potatoes lose their starch and become sugary which changes the flavor and cooking quality, too.
- Ah, and then we have onions. These little guys prefer cool, dry, and dark places such as a pantry. Be careful not to place them close to potatoes because the potatoes have gases, which will quickly rot onions.
- Lastly, avocados, which don’t begin to ripen until after they are picked. If they are hard to the touch, leave the avocados out of the refrigerator to ripen first. Once avocados become soft, refrigeration may extend their life by a few days.
So, for best tasting tomatoes, basil, potatoes, onions and avocados, leave these veggies out of the refrigerator and moisture.