These Foods Don't Belong in the Refrigerator
By Sara Butler
Of all the crowded places you encounter over the course of the day, your refrigerator is probably one of the worst. The thing is, your refrigerator probably doesn't need to be as crammed full as it is because not everything you may think needs to be refrigerated actually does. Help to cut down on the congestion in your fridge by leaving these foods out of it -- you'll both be better off.
Tomatoes
You can actually keep tomatoes fresher for longer by keeping them out of the refrigerator. If they can be stored in a cool, dry place that sits at about room temperature, then that's the environment they need to maintain their moisture and last until you get around to using them.
Bananas
Don't be bananas and put this fruit in the fridge! They should be stored at room temperature to help them last longer. If you want to really take your banana freshness game to the next level, then try wrapping the stem in plastic wrap. This will stop the release of ethylene gas, which speeds up the process of ripening.
Hot Sauce
The capsaicin that gives the hot sauce its signature kick comes from chilis. It's actually good for you and has been found to decrease appetite while boosting metabolism as it makes you sweat. In other words, there's no wrong way to eat hot sauce, but there is a wrong way to store your favorite fiery treat. After you open a bottle, resist the urge to put it in the fridge. Not all hot sauce needs this step to be taken, so check your label to make sure. It's one less thing you can find room for in your fridge.
Butter
There are two types of people in the world: Those who store butter in the refrigerator and those that don't. OK, perhaps it's not quite that simple, but many people assume that because butter is a dairy product that it must be kept cold. The truth is that as long as it's in an airtight container, butter can safely be stored outside of the fridge.
Melon
Honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon are full of things that are good for you such as Vitamin C. As long as they've not been cut up, they'll retain more of their nutrients if you keep them on the kitchen counter. The cold air in the fridge can break down the antioxidants and vitamins.
Healthy eating is essential to your wellness, but you'll be a whole lot happier eating healthy if you know how to store the foods right!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.