6. Onions: Avoiding Moisture and Mold
Onions require a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space for optimal storage. Storing them in the fridge exposes them to moisture, which can lead to mold and spoilage. Additionally, the cold temperatures can turn the starches in onions to sugars, altering their taste.
It’s best to store onions in a mesh bag or open basket in a pantry or cellar to keep them fresh for up to a month. Avoid storing onions near potatoes, as the gases they emit can cause each other to spoil faster.
7. Potatoes: Not in the Fridge, Please
Potatoes should never be stored in the refrigerator, as the cold temperatures can convert their starches into sugars, resulting in a sweet taste and undesirable texture when cooked.
Keep potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or a cellar, in a breathable bag or container. This method helps maintain their quality and taste for several weeks. Also, keep them away from onions to prevent premature spoilage.
8. Garlic: Cool, Dry, and Dark
Garlic thrives in a cool, dry environment. Refrigerating garlic can cause it to sprout and lose flavor. The moisture in the fridge also promotes mold growth.
For the best storage, keep garlic bulbs in a well-ventilated container or paper bag in a pantry or cupboard. This setup allows garlic to stay fresh for several months. Once you’ve broken the head and the cloves are exposed, use them within ten days for the best flavor.
9. Olive Oil: Keep It Out of the Chill
Olive oil should be kept away from light, heat, and air to maintain its quality. Refrigeration can cause olive oil to become cloudy and solidify, though it will return to normal at room temperature.
The ideal place for olive oil is a cool, dark cupboard. Use a dark-colored bottle to prevent light exposure, which can degrade the oil. Properly stored, olive oil remains fresh for up to two years.
10. Coffee Beans: Freshness at Room Temperature
Coffee beans are best stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to preserve their flavor and aroma. Refrigeration or freezing can introduce moisture, which affects the beans’ quality over time.
Store coffee beans in a pantry in a sealed container to keep them fresh for up to two weeks. Buy smaller quantities if necessary to ensure you always have fresh coffee on hand. If you must store beans longer, consider freezing them in airtight bags, but only take out what you need each time to avoid repeated exposure to air.
11. Honey: Crystallization in the Cold
Honey is a natural product that does not require refrigeration. In fact, storing honey in the fridge accelerates the crystallization process, where the sugars in honey form crystals, making it thick and grainy.
For optimal storage, keep honey in a tightly sealed container at room temperature in a pantry or cupboard. If crystallization occurs, gently heat the honey jar in warm water to return it to its liquid state, being careful not to overheat as high temperatures can degrade its quality.
