5 Foods You Probably Didn’t Know Would Last Longer In Your Fridge
Refrigeration is an important storage method for numerous food items. Yet, there are some particular food items that are popularly deemed unsuitable for the fridge. A good instance are whole grain and whole wheat flours which experts say last longer and stay fresh when placed in the fridge. Read on below for other food items that are not commonly stored in the fridge, but that actually belong there.
There are numerous ways you can store food items, depending on the kind of item it is and how long you need them to last. Of course, your fridge and freezer are your best bet but you also need to know how to properly organize the items so as to maximize storage space.
1. Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is best enjoyed when cooked and eaten immediately after it has been harvested. However, if you have a lot more than you can consume in a day, keep them, with the husks on, in the fridge. This way, you'll preserve the natural sweetness of the corn for longer than usual.
2. Flour Tortillas
There's a reason grocery stores keep the flour tortillas in the cold section. It's to prevent them from drying out quickly! So unlike common practice, these tortillas should be kept in the refrigerator at home too. Refrigerated flour tortillas will last as much as a few weeks so you'll always have some on hand when you need them.
3. Nuts (and Natural Nut Butters)
Nuts and its derivatives (like peanut butter) should be kept in the fridge as they contain oils that can go rancid over time, leaving the entire product stale. If you prefer, you can keep your notes on your kitchen counter. However, keep in mind that they'll only remain fresh for a few months. For longer preservation, choose your fridge.
Tip: if your refrigerated nuts seem to have gone stale, try toasting them. They'll taste just like new again!
4. Whole Grain and Whole Wheat Flours
Flour is commonly believed to belong in a pantry. This isn't entirely untrue, as experts agree that all-purpose flours can be stored at room temp, but whole grain or whole wheat flour must be kept in a fridge. That's because whole grain flour is made from whole grains of wheat, including the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. The bran and the germ are high in vitamins, nutrients, and healthy fats, which can go rancid over time. So, they are best kept at low temperatures and away from common pantry pests.
5. Condiments
Once opened, condiments like ketchup and soy sauce should be tightly closed and kept in a refrigerator to prevent spoilage. This way, they'll keep their fresh flavors and also stave off the spoilage process for longer.
Now, you'll always win the debate of whether peanut butter belongs in the pantry or fridge. You're welcome!
