You might want to think twice before you refrigerate some of those newly purchased treats. In fact, some of your favorite finds may not need refrigeration at all.
Check out these eight surprising foods that just don’t belong in the refrigerator. (At least not when it comes to safety.)
Salted Butter
Most people keep salted butter on the countertop for softening purposes just before using it to bake. But did you know that salted butter is safe on the countertop in general?
According to the Organic Authority, butter is low in water and high in fat and salt. Those factors prevent it from spoiling rapidly. Just be sure to use butter made with pasteurized milk to limit bacteria and rancidity.
Still worried? A European-style butter crock can keep butter fresh for two weeks without refrigeration.
“These genius little containers use an airtight seal of water inside them to protect both the freshness and the flavor/aroma of your butter. Just a small layer of water at the bottom of the crock works to keep the container airtight, and it also maintains a moderately cool temperature for the butter—just cool enough to stay fresh, and not warm enough to melt or spoil,” says the Organic Authority.
That said, experts say there may be a difference in safety when it comes to the storage of salted and unsalted butter. Salt is a preservative, so salted butter keeps longer. But unsalted butter may need to be kept chilled.
Tomatoes
Many people assume that tomatoes should be kept in the refrigerator. But this definitely isn’t true.
According to the Food Network, the fridge's chill changes the texture and flavor of tomatoes, making them dull and mealy. That’s definitely not good for a savory salad.
To prevent this mishap, store tomatoes on the countertop. And if they aren’t ripe yet, move them to the windowsill.
Unripe Avocadoes
So you found the perfect avocado, but it’s not yet ripe? A little bit of advice: Don’t refrigerate it.
According to Avocado Central, it can take avocadoes four or five days to ripen at room temperature when firm or green. Refrigeration doesn't aid the process, obviously. But if you need those avocadoes pronto, there are ways to ripen them more quickly.
Avocado Central recommends placing unripe avocados in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for two to three days until they are ripe. Be sure to check the avocadoes daily to ensure they don't become overripe.
Remember this the next time you find that perfect yet unripe avocado. You’ll be making your famous guacamole faster than you imagined.
Bread
Some people refrigerate bread to prolong its lifespan. However, this mistake just might sabotage your favorite loaf of bread.
According to Serious Eats, “When bread is stored in a cold (but above freezing) environment, this recrystallization, and, therefore, staling, happens much faster than at warmer temperatures.”
To prove this, the author ran a test in which he divided freshly baked, equal portions of bread into three groups. The first group was stored at room temperature. The second was stored in the refrigerator. And the third was stored in the freezer.
The refrigerated bread went stale. However, the room-temperature bread showed only mild hardening. Interestingly, the frozen bread was well preserved.
So if you’re looking to save bread long term, freeze it. Otherwise, stick with room temperature. It’ll be more pleasing to the taste buds.
Mustard
Think that mustard needs to be chilled? Think again.
Here’s a surprise. While refrigeration may help the average mustard retain flavor, it’s not necessary when it comes to safety.
According to Still Tasty, mustard will be just fine in the pantry for a month. That’s because acid keeps it from spoiling. However, flavor and texture may be compromised.
If you’re feeling adventurous, give the refrigerator-free method a try. However, if you’re looking for the longest possible lifespan, stick with the traditional refrigerated option.
Honey
Lots of consumers associate honey with refrigeration. But there’s a reason your grandmother kept that tasty treat in the pantry.
According to The Honey Book, its low bacteria count means it won't spoil when left out. Additionally, refrigerated honey turns hard and sugary.
Strawberries
Many of us have been taught to refrigerate strawberries for safety purposes, but this isn’t exactly true. In fact, strawberries can be just fine for a while without refrigeration. (The key words here being “a while.”)
It's perfectly OK to store whole strawberries at room temperature. Just know that strawberries keep longer in the refrigerator. “The reason is that strawberries are highly perishable and do not ripen after being picked -- leaving them at room temperature will only speed up their decay,” according to Still Tasty.
So if you do forget to put your strawberries in the fridge, they’ll still be ok. But store them in the refrigerator for maximum preservation.
Melon
Did you know that uncut melon is best stored on a countertop? This act may even have nutritional benefits. Leaving them out gives them the best flavor, plus the USDA found more antioxidant benefits for unrefrigerated melon.
That said, melons should be kept in the fridge after you dig in. Happy eating!