11 Foods You Should Never Refrigerate (but Probably Are)

 

Bananas

Unripe bananas should be kept out of the refrigerator, as the chilly temperatures will slow down the natural ripening process, says Robert Smith, private chef at The Culinary Collective ATL. It will also turn the peel dark brown or black, says Michael Sabrin, principal product developer for Whole Foods Market’s exclusive brands team.

Where to Store : Store unripe bananas  at room temperature until they reach your level of desired ripeness. Once ripe, the bananas can be kept in the fridge for a few days to extend their life before you are ready to eat them, says Sabrin.

Basil

Basil is sensitive to cold temperatures, so it should be kept out of the refrigerator, says Sabrin. Otherwise, “the low temperatures might cause the leaves to become shriveled and turn black,” says Smith.

Where to Store: “The best place to keep basil is out of direct sunlight and at room temperature,” says Smith. “You can cut the basil’s stems and place it in a glass of water, just like you would fresh flowers, to bring out its freshness.”

Bread

For bread that will be eaten quickly, skip the refrigerator; the cold temperatures will cause the beloved baked good to lose moisture and dry out, says Ann Ziata, chef and cooking teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education. But if you plan to keep your bread for a while—or if it’s homemade—storing it in the refrigerator can help prevent the growth of mold.

Where to Store: store bread that will be eaten quickly in a cool, dry area, such as the pantry or countertop.

Chocolate

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