Foods You Should Start Refrigerating
By Sara Butler
Understanding what foods should be stored in the refrigerator can be a lifelong struggle. Just when you think you've got it all figured out ... boom! New information crops up to let you know you've been doing it wrong.
Obviously, foods such as milk and eggs belong in the refrigerator and always have, but there are some foods that can benefit from being stored in the cool oasis of your Frigidaire. Here are foods you should consider storing in your refrigerator after opening to help you reap the full nutritional benefits and flavor.
Seeds and Nuts
Seeds, nuts, and nut-based flours are full of unsaturated fatty acids. When exposed to the warm temperature they can go rancid over time. That's why it's important to keep opened packages of flax seeds, almonds, and cashews in your fridge, where they'll be good for as long as six months. If you don't have room, then you can always put them in a sealed container in the freezer where they'll stay fresh for up to a year.
Whole Grain Flours
Whole grain flours are rich in oils and nutrients since they contain both the wheat germ and the bran. But it also makes them prone to spoilage and appealing to pests. You can store white flour in your pantry for up to two years, but whole grain flours will be no good after about three months. If you switch them to the freezer or fridge, you can extend their lives and protect them from pests.
Soy Sauce
The high sodium content of soy sauce can help to keep it from going bad at room temperature, but it won't taste as good as it gets older in the pantry. You should keep your soy sauce in the fridge after opening to help preserve its freshness and keep it strong so that a little can go a long way in your cooking.
Tortillas
If you leave tortillas on the countertop for too long, they'll become moldy -- especially if they are soft corn tortillas or tortillas made with no preservatives. Storing them in the refrigerator can help keep them fresh so you have time to finish the whole package.
Citrus Fruits
Sure, you can store citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, and oranges on your counter top, but switching to the refrigerator can help to keep them fresher for up to a month. Clear out your crisper drawer and keep that citrus fresh!
Choosing healthy foods to eat is only part of the healthy eating equation. You also need to store them correctly in order to get all you can from them in both taste and nutrition!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.