10 Foods You’re Storing Wrong (Spoiling Faster)

Are you tired of throwing away spoiled food? The truth is, improper storage is often the culprit. If you want to extend the shelf life of your groceries, it’s time to rethink how you store them. Not only will it save you money, but it will also contribute to reducing food waste, a pressing environmental issue. This list is based on trends, data, and expert advice, compiled from various reliable sources. It aims to provide practical and easy-to-implement storage tips that could make a significant difference in your kitchen. Expect to learn the correct ways to store everyday foods that you’ve probably been storing wrong all this time.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a staple in most households. They’re versatile, delicious, and can be kept for a long time if stored properly. However, many people make the mistake of keeping potatoes in the fridge or leaving them in the plastic bag they came in. Storing potatoes in the fridge can actually increase the amount of sugar they contain, leading to a sweeter taste and potentially harmful levels of a chemical called acrylamide when cooked at high temperatures. According to Harvard Health, potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place to maintain their quality and nutritional value.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a common ingredient in many dishes, yet they’re often stored wrongly. People tend to keep them in the fridge to prolong their shelf life, but this is a mistake. Refrigerating tomatoes actually damages the membranes inside the fruit, leading to a loss of flavor and texture. According to the Berkeley Wellness, tomatoes should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight until they’re fully ripe.

Bread

Bread is another food item that we often don’t store correctly. Some people put bread in the fridge, thinking it will keep it fresh longer, but this isn’t the best approach. Storing bread in the refrigerator can actually cause it to stale faster due to a process called retrogradation. According to the Serious Eats, bread should be stored at room temperature in a breadbox or a dry, cool cupboard. If you can’t consume it before it goes stale, consider freezing it instead.

Bananas

Bananas are a popular fruit that many people buy in large quantities, but often struggle to eat before they overripe. Many people store bananas in the fridge, but this isn’t the best method. Refrigerating bananas can slow down their ripening process and make them last longer, but it also causes their peels to turn dark brown or black. According to Taste of Home, it’s best to store bananas at room temperature until they’re fully ripe, and then move them to the fridge if you want to slow down the ripening process.

Garlic

Garlic is a kitchen staple that’s often stored incorrectly. Many people keep garlic in the fridge or a sealed container, but this can lead to mold growth and sprouting. For ideal storage conditions, garlic needs to be in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. The MasterClass suggests keeping garlic in a mesh bag or a basket in your pantry or a cupboard.

Apples

Apples are a popular fruit that we often store on the counter or in a fruit bowl. However, this isn’t the best method to preserve their freshness. Apples give off ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen faster. Therefore, they should be stored separately. According to the NPR, apples should be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to extend their shelf life.

Onions

Onions are a common ingredient in many dishes, yet they’re often stored wrongly. People tend to keep them in the fridge to prolong their shelf life, but this is a mistake. Onions need air circulation to stay fresh. According to the University of Missouri Extension, onions should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, and not in a plastic bag.

Avocados

Avocados are a favorite for many, yet they’re often stored wrongly. People tend to keep them in the fridge to prolong their shelf life, but this can prevent them from ripening properly. According to the California Avocado Commission, avocados should be stored at room temperature until they’re ripe, and then moved to the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process.

Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that’s often stored incorrectly. Many people keep honey in the refrigerator, but this can lead to crystallization. Honey should be stored in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. According to the National Honey Board, honey stored in this way can remain stable for decades or even centuries.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil that many people keep in the kitchen. However, it’s often stored wrongly, either near the stove or in a clear glass bottle. Olive oil is sensitive to light, heat, and air, which can cause it to go rancid. According to the Olive Oil Source, olive oil should be stored in a cool, dark place in a dark glass or stainless steel container.