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Things You Don’t Need to Refrigerate

open refrigerator stocked with produce

Are some things in your fridge that don’t have to be there? Discover here!

You would be surprised to hear the different commentaries on what you need and don’t need to refrigerate. You may come across contradicting advice; for instance, you might read that you don’t need to refrigerate ketchup in one source but that you do in another. Are there some foods that are taking up space in your fridge that they don’t have to? Read on to learn about the things you don’t need to refrigerate.

Unopened Condiments

Do you need to refrigerate your ketchup? Yes, but only if it is open. Unopened condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise do not need refrigerating because their acidity and moisture levels make them shelf stable. Once open, various conditions can affect their acidity and cause them to go bad. Ketchup can sit out for long hours, but it will last longer with refrigeration.

Butter

Unless your recipe calls for cold, flaky butter, you do not need to refrigerate your butter. This delicious, fatty substance is not prone to going moldy or rancid. Plus, room-temperature butter is more spreadable!

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Peanut butter is also more spreadable when left on a pantry shelf rather than in the fridge. Peanut butter has a low enough water content that it is not prone to bacterial growth. The same goes for jellies and jams. However, refrigeration can help them last longer.

Fruits That Need to Ripen

Avocados, bananas, apples, and other fruits that you want to ripen for the best taste and texture don’t need refrigeration. They will not go bad in the fridge; the trouble is that they will not ripen as soon as you might want them to.

Potatoes and Onions

On the other hand, the traditional place for potatoes and onions is in a cool, dry, dark place, such as in a basket in your pantry. Excess humidity is the only reason to move your potatoes and onions into the fridge. However, in this environment, your potatoes’ starches will convert to sugars and your onions may get soggy. Storing cut onions in the fridge is acceptable.

Landers Appliance has plenty more tips about refrigerators, including how to avoid refrigerator misuse. Discover more refrigerator-related issues here!

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