Dairy
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt need to be stored in the fridge to keep them fresh. However, there are a few dairy products that should not be stored in the fridge. These include cream cheese, sour cream, and custard.
Milk
Pasteurized milk can last in the fridge for up to a week after its “sell by” date while raw milk should be tossed after only a few days. If you’re not sure if your milk has gone bad, give it a sniff. If it smells sour or otherwise unappetizing, it’s time to pour it down the drain.
Cheese
Cheese should not be stored in the fridge as it will dry out and become hard. Store cheese in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard and wrap it tightly in wax paper, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap.
Butter
Butter is a dairy product made by churning fresh or fermented cream or milk. It is generally used as a spread and a condiment, as well as in cooking, such as baking, sauce making, and pan frying. Butter consists of butterfat, milk proteins and water. Most butter is made from cow’s milk, but butter can also be made from the milk of other mammals, such as sheep, goats, buffalo, and yaks. Salt, flavorings and preservatives are sometimes added to butter. Rendering butter produces ghee, with little or no lactose or casein.
Butter is an emulsion resulting from an inversion of the cream; in other words the milk fats turn from colloids to solutions. Butters contain at least 80% butterfat (milk fat) and have a moisture content of around 16%.
Fruits and Vegetables
Many fruits and vegetables do not need to be kept in the fridge. For example, bananas, tomatoes, and potatoes should be kept at room temperature.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a fruit that is often used as a vegetable. They are part of the nightshade family, which also includes potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Tomatoes come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, green, and even purple.
The tomato is native to South America and was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. Today, tomatoes are grown all over the world and are a staple in many cuisines.
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C and are often used in salads, sauces, pizzas, and other dishes.
Potatoes
Raw potatoes should not be stored in the fridge. Potatoes are best kept in a cool, dark, dry place like a cupboard or pantry. If you need to refrigerate them for some reason, do so for no more than two days. When potatoes are stored in the fridge, they release a gas that can negatively impact the flavor and texture of other foods nearby.
Onions
Onions are underground bulbs that grow best in cool weather. They have a thin, papery skin that can be white, yellow, or brownish-red. The fleshy part of the onion is made up of edible layers. When an onion is cut open, there is usually a core in the center that contains the smallest, innermost layers of the onion.
Onions are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and B6. They also contain sulfur compounds that give them their characteristic odor and taste. Onions can be used raw or cooked. They are often served cooked as a side dish or ingredient in other dishes such as soups, stews, and casseroles.
Cooked food
Cooked food that has cooled down should not be put in the fridge. This is because the fridge is set to a temperature that is lower than room temperature, which can cause the food to spoil. Room temperature is the best place to store cooked food.
Leftovers
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, food waste is an all-too-real concern in the kitchen. In fact, the average person throws away approximately one pound of food every day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
While some foods are better suited for the compost bin than the dinner table, others can be safely saved and enjoyed later as leftovers. Here’s a look at some common leftover foods and how to keep them fresh.
Bread: Store bread in a cool, dry place and it will stay fresh for two to three days. Wrap it tightly in plastic before storing to keep it from drying out. If you need to extend its shelf life, freeze bread for up to three months.
Cooked meat: Meat can be stored in the fridge for three to four days or frozen for two to six months. Be sure to slice or shred meat before storing so it will be easy to reheat later.
Cooked pasta: Leftover cooked pasta can be stored in the fridge for three to five days. If you’ll be storing pasta longer than that, freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months.
Cooked rice: Cooked rice can be stored in the fridge for three to five days or frozen for up tp six months. When freezing cooked rice, make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Casseroles
Casseroles are multiple-ingredient dishes baked in a dish or deep pan. A casserole usually has a starchy ingredient like rice or pasta, a protein such as chicken or beef, and a vegetable. It may also include mushrooms, nuts, and other ingredients. Casseroles are often topped with cheese, bread crumbs, or other ingredients before being baked.
Quiche
Quiche is a savory egg custard pie typically made with bacon, ham, and cheese. It can be served hot or cold and is generally considered a breakfast or brunch food. However, quiche is also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
While quiche is delicious, there are some food safety concerns to keep in mind. Quiche should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If it is hot outside or if the quiche is sitting in direct sunlight, it should not be left out for more than one hour.
Quiche can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, but it is best if eaten within two days. If you are planning on eating quiche that is more than two days old, it is best to reheat it before eating.