Our refrigerators sometimes are so jam-packed with foods that don’t really need to be in there. Cold air can break down the antioxidants in certain fruits and stop the ripening process of others. While some foods can have a prolonged shelf life when stored in the fridge, other ingredients simply taste better and actually maintain better texture when they’re kept out of the cold.
Here is a list of foods that don’t need refrigeration but should be kept at room temperature.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes need to be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature where they’ll maintain their moisture. Storing them in the refrigerator could hinder their ripening and make them lose their flavor.
Bananas
The best way to keep bananas fresh for longer is to store them at room temperature with plastic wrap around the stems. The plastic wrap stops them from releasing ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process.
Avocados
When they’re fully ripe, they should be stored in the fridge, but underripe avocados should be kept at room temperature. You’ll know an avo is ripe when it yields to light pressure. Nachos with guacamole, anyone?
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are some of the healthiest food. Once they’re placed in the fridge, you stop their ripening process. If you prefer peppers that taste on the sweeter side, keep them out of the cold and store them in a cool, well-ventilated place.
Pickles
Pickles, and any other jarred foods with sodium-filled water, do just fine at room temperature as they’re placed in liquid that acts as a natural preservative.
Eggs
Freshly laid eggs can stay at room temperature for about a month. However, if you buy them from the refrigerator section at the store, you must continue to keep the eggs refrigerated at home. If your eggs have been stored at room temperature, you should throw them away after five weeks.
RECIPE] EGG & AVOCADO TOAST
Serves: 1
Ingredients for Salad (use organic where possible):
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 slices gluten-free bread, toasted
- 2 eggs over hard
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- 1 avocado diced
Directions:
- Top toasts with sliced eggs, tomato, avocado, sea salt, and black pepper.
To Your Health,
Patti
