10 Things You Should Not Refrigerate
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Photo by: Foodcollection/Getty ImagesHot Sauce
It can live happily in the pantry for up to three years. - 2/10
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Photo by: Brian Hagiwara/Getty ImagesPotatoes
Refrigeration adversely affects their flavor, so store in the pantry in paper bags (plastic bags trap moisture and speed decay). Most varieties should last three weeks.
Also See: Purge Your Pantry - 3/10
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Photo by: Robin MacDougall/Getty ImagesBread
The refrigerator dries it out fast. Instead, keep what you'll eat within four days at room temperature and freeze the rest. - 4/10
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Photo by: Mike Kemp/Getty ImagesOnions
They like their original mesh bag (or any bag that allows for air circulation) in the pantry. But keep them away from potatoes, which emit moisture and gases that can cause onions to rot.
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Photo by: Michele GastlBatteries
Stash in a drawer at room temperature. Extreme cold (or heat) can diminish performance. - 6/10
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Photo by: Davies & StarrGarlic
It will do well for two months in the pantry. Store loose, so air can move around it.
Also See: Before and After: A Refrigerator Makeover - 7/10
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Photo by: KeateTomatoes
They can get mealy in the fridge, so leave them on a counter, out of plastic bags. To speed ripening, store in a paper bag. Once ripe, they'll last for about three days. - 8/10
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Photo by: Yagi Studio/Getty ImagesCoffee
The fridge (and the freezer) create condensation, which can affect the flavor of both ground coffee and coffee beans. Coffee fares best in an airtight container in the pantry.
Also See: New Uses for Food - 9/10
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Photo by: Brand X Pictures/Getty ImagesNail Polish
Keeping it in the fridge can cause it to thicken. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. - 10/10
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Photo by: Pamela Moore/Getty ImagesWinter Squashes
Varieties such as acorn, butternut, delicata, and spaghetti will last for about a month or more in the pantry.
Certain items are at their prime when stored at room temperature.
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