15 Foods You’re Storing Wrong That Are Going Bad Too Fast

This post may contain affiliate links.

It’s important to store food correctly to minimize waste and keep it fresher for longer. Most of us are storing our groceries incorrectly and unknowingly speeding up the spoilage of our groceries. Premature spoilage of a lot of different foods is caused by common misconceptions and habits that diminish the taste and nutritional value of foods.

On this slideshow, we’ll take a look at some commonly mismanaged foods and how to store each item to help extend its shelf life.

Apples

To keep the fruit tasting crisp and fresh as long as possible, store apples in your fridge (not on the counter). Wrap them loosely in a breathable bag or in the crisper drawer to prevent moisture loss. Do not store with other fruits, as apples emit ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent.

Bread

Store bread at room temperature in a bread box or cloth bag; this allows air circulation and keeps the loaf fresh. Never refrigerate bread. It causes the staling effect. If you plan to store the bread for several months, then freeze it — its texture and flavor will stay good indefinitely.

Unripe Tomatoes

When you store tomatoes in the fridge, it will stop them from improving in flavor and quality. Instead, they should be stored in a single layer at room temperature, away from the sun. Store them stem-side up to prevent bruising and preserve the freshness.

Potatoes

Potatoes should be stored alone in a basket or box in a cool, dark pantry or cellar (never store them next to onions). When storing them, ensure they can breathe. Refrigerating them will change their flavor and texture because it exposes the starches to sugars.

Onions

Store onions in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, such as the pantry. If feasible, put them in a mesh bag to help airflow. Do not store them in the same vicinity as potatoes; they emit a gas that will cause them to spoil sooner.

Garlic

Garlic is best stored at room temperature in a dry, dark place. Place it in a mesh bag or an open container to allow air circulation. Do not put it in the fridge, as moisture will cause it to sprout and cause mold.

Bananas

Banana are best stored at room temperature as this helps them ripe evenly. If bananas are ripe and need to be stored for a bit longer, refrigeration can help lock in the firmness, though, the peels will darken even more.

Nuts

Keep nuts in an airtight container in your fridge or, even better, your freezer. Their high-fat content means they can go rancid if kept at room temperature. By chilling, you avoid oil separation and keep punching.

Coffee

According to Allrecipes, an opaque, airtight container should do the trick, but if the bag your coffee came in has an airtight closure, such as a zip-top seal, you can use that. Squeeze any additional air out of the bag before closing the seal—store coffee bags in a cool, dark, and dry area, like a kitchen cabinet.

Avocados

The countertop is the best place for avocados to ripen, but once they’re soft enough (gently squeeze the fruit in your palm; it should feel like a full balloon), transfer them to the fridge to preserve their ideal ripeness. Healthline states that avocados ripen faster if stored with other ethylene-producing fruits, such as bananas.

Cheese

Cheese produces gas that can spoil other foods, but a small amount of the gas is necessary for it to remain moist. Considering this, it’s best to store cheese in airtight containers to prevent it from spoiling other foods.

Herbs

Place fresh herbs in a glass and keep them in the fridge like flowers. Cut the stem. Loosely cover with a plastic bag to keep them fresh. Or, wrap them in a wet paper towel and store them in an airtight bag.

Carrots

Place carrots in a container/bag with water and store in the fridge so they won’t dry out. The tops can also draw moisture from the roots, so cut them back if necessary. Storing them correctly prevents them from going limp and losing flavor.

Eggs

Keep eggs in their original cartons and store them on refrigerator shelves, not in the door. The carton protects eggs from temperature swings and helps prevent them from absorbing strong odors and flavors from other foods.

Berries

Any blue—or black-colored fresh berries require a vinegar rinse before a final drying, followed by storage in a clean container with paper towels to prevent off-flavor berries. Do not wash all berries at once; only wash as you use them to avoid mold proliferation.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

13 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Bathroom

13 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Bathroom

31 Forgotten Household Items from the Past

The blueprint of the quintessential American home has undeniably evolved over the decades. Whether you attribute it to technological leaps or the shifting sands of aesthetic tastes, the fact remains: items once deemed household staples have now drifted into obscurity.

31 Forgotten Household Items from the Pashese DIY Terrarium Ideas