Many people have a wide variety of items in their refrigerators, including bread, vegetables, fruits, snacks, and sweets. However, not all foods need to be stored in the fridge. Today, let's discuss which foods do not need to be refrigerated.
Cookies, dried fruits, and other snacks
Cookies, candies, pickles, dried fruits, and other dried snacks do not need to be refrigerated. They either have very low moisture content, making it difficult for microorganisms to grow, or they have high sugar and salt concentrations, leading to low water activity and preventing microbial growth. Therefore, storing them in the fridge only takes up space without any benefits.
Honey
Putting honey in the fridge can cause it to crystallize and separate glucose. This change does not affect the safety or nutritional value of honey, but it may affect the texture. Therefore, refrigeration is not necessary for honey.
Tea leaves, powdered milk, and other dried products
Tea leaves, powdered milk, coffee, and other dried products can be stored in a dry condition without refrigeration. If not properly sealed, refrigeration can introduce odors and moisture from the fridge, affecting the flavor and promoting mold growth.
Chocolate
Keeping chocolate in the fridge for a long time can cause changes in the crystal structure of the fat, resulting in a rough texture, surface blooming, and loss of smoothness. Freezing chocolate is even worse. In fact, chocolate is best stored at room temperature, ideally between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Mangoes, bananas, and other tropical fruits
Tropical fruits like mangoes and bananas do not need to be refrigerated. These fruits are best stored at around 12 degrees Celsius and can be kept in a cool place at room temperature. Refrigeration can actually damage them and accelerate ripening.
Steamed buns, bread, and other starchy foods
If you cannot finish steamed buns, bread, or other starchy foods within a meal or two, they can be stored at room temperature. Refrigeration will only cause them to become dry and hard faster. If you want to store them for more than three days, it's best to wrap them well and put them in the freezer. When you want to eat them, just microwave them for 1-2 minutes to restore their freshness.
Beer, beverages, and other drinks can be temporarily refrigerated
Various beverages, beers, and other drinks do not necessarily need to be refrigerated. Refrigeration is only for lowering the temperature, so they can be enjoyed cold. It's actually more efficient to store them at room temperature and put them in the fridge half a day before consumption, saving both electricity and space.
