Fridge or pantry? These debates have been going on for generations. Some foods have an obvious home, but the rest is fair game. Do you keep your ketchup in the refrigerator and the butter on the counter?
Storing food properly is essential to maintaining freshness and extending its shelf life, especially when starting a new healthy eating routine. The refrigerator is often considered a place where food goes to rot, but it is a place where you can keep your food at optimal temperatures.
Some foods must be kept cold at all times, while other ingredients only need to stay cold for a short period of time. Here is another list of foods that should be kept in the refrigerator instead of in the pantry or on kitchen counters.
Eggs
Eggs are fickle, and unless you know where they come from, you should preferably store them in the refrigerator. Most eggs undergo a washing process to reduce the chance of salmonella contamination. Unfortunately, this process also washes away the cuticle, which helps keep chemicals and bacteria out of the egg.
Cheese
Although hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan can be safely stored at room temperature, unaged or soft cheese, such as mozzarella, ricotta, and brie, should be kept in the refrigerator until they’re ready to be used.
Tortillas
These aren’t something you would think need to be refrigerated. However, just like many other edible items, the label will reveal that many tortillas come with instructions to refrigerate after opening. If not, tortillas will remain fresh for approximately only a week.
Butter
Some people leave the butter out of the refrigerator to make it easier to spread. While it should keep for one to two weeks at room temperature, it’s best to only leave a small amount out at a time while storing the rest in the refrigerator.
[RECIPE] BREAKFAST BURRITOS
Serves: 2
Ingredients (use organic where possible):
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 eggs, whisked
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 small gluten-free tortillas, warmed
- 1/4 cup salsaQ
Directions:
- Add coconut oil to a small skillet over medium heat.
- When hot, add whisked eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Use a spatula to scramble in the pan until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Serve eggs and avocados inside tortillas rolled up like burritos.
- Serve with salsa for dipping.
To Your Health,
Patti
