An expert has warned that four common food items should never be stored in the fridge as they actually go off much more quickly. A Nutritional expert has highlighted how garlic, bread, bananas and even chocolate.
In the case of garlic the problem is that it can start sprouting unexpectedly. This ingredient is a staple in many dishes and people often want to preserve it, as one head of garlic can provide enough cloves for several meals.
However, Spanish website Cope reported that there are certain foods which should not be kept in the fridge. Amparo Gamero, professor at the Health Sciences Studies at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), revealed which foods you should never store in the fridge.
Current research suggests that garlic may offer numerous health benefits, including protection against the common cold and the potential to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Garlic is also recognised for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is a crucial component of many dishes in the Mediterranean diet, which many nutrition experts believe is key to healthy eating and longevity.
Prof Gamero advised that the best place to store garlic is in a pantry, as it can sprout after just a few days, giving the garlic a more intense bitter taste. He stated: "The pantry is usually a good place to store them at an approximate temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, as long as they’re kept away from potatoes since garlic and onions emit gases that can accelerate potato sprouting."
"To extend their shelf life, peeled garlic cloves can be submerged in olive oil and stored in a tightly sealed glass container. They can also be frozen, either whole or chopped.
Prof Gamero also pointed out other foods that should not be kept in the fridge - starting with bread as it can lose its texture and flavour. He suggested storing bread at room temperature inside a paper bag wrapped in a clean kitchen cloth. Freezing is another option to maintain its freshness for longer.
Storing chocolate in the fridge is also not recommended as the cold can affect its smoothness and creaminess; sudden temperature changes can alter its texture. It’s best to keep it in a cool place away from direct light and store it inside its original packaging or an airtight container
Bananas shouldn’t be refrigerated either. Storing them in the fridge too early can make them hard and tasteless. Lastly, coffee shouldn’t be stored in the fridge as both whole bean and ground coffee absorb moisture and lose their aroma and flavour. The ideal place to store coffee is an airtight container in a cool dry place."
