12 Surprising Foods You Can Store at Room Temperature – No Refrigerator Needed!

Food safety can get tricky, especially when it comes to storage. Some foods belong in the fridge, while others can sit on the counter or in the pantry. Here’s a quick guide on foods that are best stored at room temperature and tips for keeping them fresh, even after they’ve been cut.

1. Fresh Tomatoes

Tomatoes taste best when kept at room temperature. They maintain their flavor and texture that way. If you have cut or very ripe tomatoes, you can refrigerate them briefly to slow down ripening, but this might impact their taste. Plan your purchases so you can enjoy them fresh.

2. Apples

Apples can be stored in a mesh bag or wire basket in a cool, dark area, like the pantry. If you cut an apple, sprinkle a little lemon juice on it to prevent browning and stick it in the fridge. Aim to eat it within one or two days.

3. Onions

Instead of refrigerating onions, keep them in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. They can last up to two months that way. After cutting, place them in a container in the fridge and use them within a week.

4. Bananas

Bananas should stay out of the fridge. Chilling them can stop ripening, leading to black peels and underwhelming taste. Even ripe bananas can remain on the counter for a few days.

5. Bread

Fresh bread is best kept in an airtight container on the counter, not in the fridge, which can cause it to dry out quickly. Store it in a cool, dark place and eat it within three days. If you can’t finish it, freeze it to enjoy later.

6. Basil

Like other herbs, basil should not be refrigerated. It becomes mushy and dark in the cold. Instead, keep it at room temperature in a jar with water, changing the water every few days to keep it fresh.

7. Eggplant

Store eggplant at room temperature away from bananas, which emit ethylene gas that can ripen it too quickly. Use it within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

8. Watermelon and Other Melons

Whole melons do well on the counter. If you’ve bought one that’s cold, it’s likely been refrigerated, and you should continue to keep it cold. Cut melons should always go in an airtight container in the fridge and be consumed within two to three days.

9. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

There’s no need to refrigerate extra-virgin olive oil. It can solidify in the cold but returns to liquid at room temperature. Store it in a dark cupboard and use it within a few months for the best flavor.

10. Potatoes

Keep unwashed potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated pantry. Using them within two weeks is best. Avoid washing them until you’re ready to cook. If you cut potatoes, store them in cold water for up to one day.

11. Many Condiments

Several condiments, like soy sauce and honey, don’t need refrigeration. If a product contains dairy or eggs, refrigerate it after opening. Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions.

12. Avocados

Leave unripe avocados on the countertop. To speed up ripening, place a banana nearby. Ripe avocados can sit out for a few days; if they’re fully ripe, move them to the refrigerator.

The Bottom Line

Many foods actually taste better and last longer when kept out of the fridge. A cool, dark, well-ventilated area is often ideal. Remember to refrigerate cut fruits and vegetables to keep them fresh.