Shockingly These Foods Don’t Belong In The Fridge
There are a lot of foods that people believe belong in the fridge. However, many of these foods actually don’t do well in the environment that the fridge creates. According to Healthy Gem, there are a lot of foods commonly stored in the refrigerator that actually do worse in the fridge’s environment.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce has a pretty long shelf life. They have a ton of natural preservatives like vinegar and oftentimes don’t contain very many actual fruits or vegetables. You should store hot sauce away from direct sunlight in a dry, cool place. If you love hot sauce and use it frequently you can even store it on your table.
Bananas
Bananas hold their nutrients better when they’re kept out of the fridge. The cold temperatures of the fridge actually slow down the ripening process. However, there is a lot of moisture in many refrigerators that can cause bananas to turn black or brown.
If you want to keep bananas for a long period of time, it’s best to cut them into pieces, put them in a plastic bag, and store them in the freezer.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers actually don’t do well when they’re stored in the fridge. They quickly lose a lot of flavor and become waterlogged. Instead, it is best to store cucumber in your pantry or even on your counter. If you want your cucumbers to be cool, you can put them in the fridge momentarily before using them or store slices of cucumber in ice water.
Basil
Basil cuttings shouldn’t be stored in the fridge. Due to the fridge being a dark location, basil is known to wilt in there because it can’t get any sunlight.
The best way to store basil is by placing it in a cup half full of water and putting it near a sunny window. There the basil will last longer and might even sprout roots, which meant you can replant it and grow even more basil!
Carrots
Carrots can rot and become waterlogged and droopy if they’re left in the fridge for long periods. They should be stored away from direct sunlight in a place with low moisture, like your pantry.
If you cut up a bunch of carrots to be served with a dish, some could be put in a container of water and placed in the fridge, but only if they’re going to be eaten within a few hours.
Mustard
Mustard can last actually last longer outside of the fridge. Although mustard last super long in and out of the fridge, it’s suggested to keep it out of the fridge use the run to store other things.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes thrive in cool, dry, airy environments. If they’re stored in the fridge they quickly lose all their flavor, texture, and nutrients. Tomatoes stored in the fridge can actually get a sort of sour taste. It’s best to store them in a bowl on your counter.
Ketchup
That’s right, ketchup doesn’t actually need to be stored in the fridge at all, even in open bottles. This is why a lot of diners and restaurants are able to leave ketchup bottles on tables for hours on end. It’s stuffed full of preservatives and, as long as you don’t contaminate it, ketchup can last for a super long time.
You Should Probably Skip These Foods At A Breakfast Buffet
Eggs
Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it’s a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it’s challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.
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Fruit
Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren’t eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.
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Waffles
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There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It’s worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it’s wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.
