It’s best to let avocados ripen at room temperature until they yield slightly to gentle pressure. Once ripe, you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life by several days.
7. Olive Oil: Solidifying the Wrong Idea
Storing olive oil in the fridge can cause it to become cloudy and solidify, which can impact its flavor and usability. The cold temperatures cause the natural fats in the oil to crystallize.
Instead, store olive oil in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to maintain its liquid state and preserve its rich flavor profile. This will ensure the oil remains fresh for a longer period, typically up to two years if stored properly.
8. Bananas: Keeping the Chill Away
Refrigerating bananas can slow the ripening process and turn the peel brown, while the fruit inside remains under-ripe. The cold temperature disrupts the enzymes that cause bananas to mature evenly.
To achieve the best flavor and texture, store bananas at room temperature. If they’re at their peak ripeness and you need to store them longer, consider peeling and freezing them for use in smoothies or baking.
9. Honey: A Natural at Room Temperature
Honey is one of nature’s natural preservatives and does not require refrigeration. In fact, refrigerating honey can cause it to crystallize and become thick and grainy, making it difficult to use.
Store honey in a tightly sealed container at room temperature in a dark place, like a pantry. This will keep honey in its ideal liquid state and preserve its flavor indefinitely.
10. Hot Sauce: No Need for a Cold Shoulder
Most hot sauces contain vinegar and salt, which act as natural preservatives, making refrigeration unnecessary. Storing hot sauce in the fridge can dull its vibrant flavors over time.
Keep hot sauce in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard. This will maintain its taste and quality for months, or even years, depending on the specific sauce.
11. Fresh Herbs: How to Keep Them Lively
While it might seem intuitive to store fresh herbs in the fridge, doing so can cause them to wilt and lose flavor quickly. The delicate leaves of herbs can be damaged by the cold and moisture.
For herbs like basil, store them in a glass of water on the counter, similar to a bouquet of flowers. For other herbs, like parsley and cilantro, you can wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and store them in an open plastic bag in the fridge to extend their life without compromising their flavor.
