Though many people believe that refrigeration is necessary to keep foods fresh, it is not always the case. There are a number of foods that do not need to be kept cold in order to stay fresh and delicious. Here are some examples of foods that can be stored at room temperature:
Bread: Bread is a staple in many households, but it does not need to be stored in the fridge. In fact, keeping bread in the fridge can actually make it stale faster. Instead, store bread in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard. If you want to extend the shelf life of your bread, you can store it in the freezer.
Fruits and vegetables: Most fruits and vegetables are perfectly fine to store at room temperature. This includes items like bananas, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The only exception is stone fruits like cherries and plums, which should be refrigerated so they don’t go bad.
Cooked food: Cooked food can also be stored at room temperature, though it will only stay fresh for a few days. This includes dishes like pasta, rice, and cooked meats. If you want to keep cooked food fresh for longer, you can store it in the fridge or freezer.
Dried food: Dried foods like beans, nuts, and dried fruit do not need to be refrigerated. They can be stored in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard.
Oil: Most oils do not need to be refrigerated, though olive oil and coconut oil should be stored in a cool, dark place.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. Dairy products, eggs, and fish should always be stored in the fridge to prevent them from going bad. And while most meats can be stored at room temperature, raw meat should always be refrigerated.
So, does food truly need to be refrigerated? It depends. There are a number of factors to consider, including the type of food and how long you plan on storing it. In general, most foods can be stored at room temperature, though some will last longer if they’re kept in the fridge or freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if food has gone bad before cooking?
If the food smells bad, it’s gone bad. If the food looks different, or has mold or green patches, it’s gone bad.
How do you know if frozen food has gone bad?
This could mean anything from mushrooms to bacteria to weird parasites. If you see something unusual growing inside or outside of your food, don’t eat it! Throw the food away and get help from a professional.
How can you tell if cooked chicken has gone bad?
Cooked chicken should be firm, not dry, and have a brown color. If it’s past the expiration date or has gone bad, the meat will be watery and runny with an off odor.
How can you tell if a fruit has gone bad?
If you're unsure whether a fruit is still good to eat, consult the chart below from BI Australia. The color, texture and shape of the fruit will give you an idea as to whether it's fit for consumption.
How can you tell if cooked meat has gone bad?
The best way to tell if cooked meat has gone bad is by smell, texture, and color. Rancid meats will have a sour odor and a gritty texture. They’ll also be pale in color and may have clumps of Muscovy duck egg white (thickeners) or other undesirable ingredients.
