10 things you shouldn't store in the fridge

New Delhi : The refrigerator seems an obvious place to store all our groceries to stay fresher longer, but do you know some ingredients simply aren't made for colder temperatures. Here are the items that doesn’t fit in the refrigerator.

Eggs

It might be surprising to see eggs on the list, but in some areas eggs are sterilized after production to kill bacteria (which also weakens the egg shell) and must be kept cool to prevent it returning. But if you’re in Europe, eggs are not sterilized and can stay in the pantry.

Tomatoes

Fridge temperatures damage tomatoes' membranes, causing them to become watery and mealy. It will also permanently damage their flavor. The best place to put tomatoes is out on a counter or worktop. 

Nuts

If you plan to use them in the next few weeks, nuts are good to be stored in an airtight container in the pantry.

Honey

There's no benefit to chilling it and the low temperatures cause it to crystallize and solidify, so you'll have to warm it before use.

Bread

If you are going to eat all your bread within a few days, don't put it in the fridge. Much like potatoes and sweet potatoes, cold temperatures change the structure of bread making it taste stale. 

Pumpkins

The winter squash should be stored in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area. Leaving them in the fridge will cause them to turn faster.

Mango

Like avocados, unripe mangoes should be stored at room temperature, since the cold slows down ripening. They can be refrigerated or sliced, put in a freezer bag and frozen once soft. 

Melons

Unripe and uncut melons can be kept in the cupboard. There's little impact when it comes to freshness and leaving such a sizeable fruit out of the fridge is a real space-saver. Cut melons should be covered and refrigerated.

Cake

Your cake will taste much better if it's not too cold. To keep it fresh, secure it in an airtight container for a couple of days. Of course, if the cake is topped or filled with fresh cream, you'll need to refrigerate it.

Dried fruit

Putting dried fruit in the fridge will only add unwanted moisture. It's best preserved somewhere dry and dark, in an airtight container. 

Peanut butter

The wholesome spread becomes hard and stodgy in the fridge, meaning getting it out the jar to put on toast is an difficult task. Save yourself the hassle and store opened peanut butter jars outside the fridge safely for two to three months. 

Dried spices

The refrigerator is the enemy of dried spices as unwanted condensation is likely to get in. To maximize shelf life, keep in a dark, dry place, and away from extreme heat.