Clean eating is often associated with natural foods that tend to spoil easily. Therefore, people also equate healthy eating with frequent trips to the grocery store. Either that, or we try to pack our refrigerator with too many ingredients we don’t always need.
While it’s true that some foods will last longer in cooler conditions, in these situations, it’s important to think about whether everything has to go into the fridge. Some ingredients can last (and taste better) when stored at room temperature.
Here is a list of more foods that can be kept at room temperature instead of being placed in your refrigerator.
Bread
Many people store their loaves of bread in the fridge to keep it away from hungry ants in the summertime. Even though it’s a decent strategy, this will leave your rye and whole wheat bread harder than when you bought it from the bakery. Unless it’s a frozen variety, store your bread in a cool but dry place. I do recommend sprouted bread to be kept in the refrigerator – goes bad too fast otherwise!
Potatoes
Potatoes stored in the fridge will cause their starch to convert to sugar, which will result in spuds with an unpleasantly sweet taste. Rather store them in a paper bag in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry. It should last for about three weeks without any need to refrigerate.
Onions
Another ingredient that doesn’t need to be kept in the cold is an onion. They can also be stored in the pantry, but far away from your potatoes, since they emit ethylene that will cause your onions to rot. Only put them in the fridge, peeled and halved, a few minutes before using them to lower the burning effects on your eyes.
Canned Fish and Poultry
Although fresh fish and poultry are highly perishable and should be kept in the fridge or freezer, their canned varieties can be kept safe anywhere in your kitchen for long periods.
[RECIPE] ATHENS SANDWICH & SOUP
Serves: 2
Ingredients (use organic where possible):
- 4 slices of gluten-free bread, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup hummus
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped finely
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 large green leaf lettuce leaves
- 8 whole fresh mint leaves
- 1 15-ounce BPA-free can of organic soup with beans, heated
For an omnivore option, add 8 slices of nitrate-free organic deli turkey or any leftover meat from dinner would be stellar!
Directions:
- Place toasts on a flat surface.
- Spread with hummus, then top with olives, deli turkey if desired, avocado, tomato, lettuce, and mint.
- Serve with hot soup on the side.
To Your Health,
Patti
