22 foods that should not be refrigerated

Apples can stay fresh and delicious for up to a week or two on the counter. After that time frame, store them in the fridge so they remain ready to eat for a little longer.

When stored at room temperature, avocados are more likely to ripen faster than when stored in the fridge.

Bananas should be kept on your countertop, in your pantry or hanging from a banana hook. This will help the bananas become ripe, and prevents the peel from browning as quickly.

Bell peppers should be stored at room temperature. If you put them in the refrigerator, their exterior may not be as crunchy.

To help ensure that berries stay fresh for longer, store outside of the refrigerator. Moisture buildup may damage the fruit, so it’s best to keep them out of the refrigerator and not wash them until you are ready to consume them.

When stored in the fridge, bread can become stale. Instead, keep bread on the counter for the first 24 hours, then freeze it and use a toaster to thaw before eating.

When left in the fridge, chocolate may become grainy and have a dull flavor. Instead, opt to store it in a dark, dry place.

Keep coffee grounds and beans out of the fridge and in an alternate location like inside a sealed container in the pantry to help maintain their flavor.

Avoid storing cucumbers in the fridge, which may cause them to become watery and develop pits in their skin. Instead, opt to place them in an air-tight container in your pantry or on your countertop.

Storing garlic in the fridge can make the bulbs rubbery—instead, keep them in a cool, dry place like the cellar or in a cupboard away from heat sources like your cooktop.

Honey can turn hard and lumpy if it is placed in the fridge. To maintain its smooth gooey drip, it’s best to leave honey at room temperature.

Maintain the robust flavor and heat of the peppers by keeping hot sauce out of the fridge and in your pantry, unless instructed otherwise on the packaging.

Allow whole melons to ripen outside of the fridge. (If sliced, however, melon pieces should be refrigerated.)

Protect the flavor of nuts like cashews and almonds by stashing them in an airtight container outside of the fridge.

Olive oil can harden in the fridge. Avoid this by storing in a cool, dark area in your kitchen.

Moisture in the fridge can cause onions to become soft and moldy. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place away from potatoes.

Peanut butter can be kept creamy and spreadable at room temperature for up to three months—then you can place it in the fridge.

Pickles are already preserved and can be safely kept in jars, allowing you to conserve space inside your refrigerator for other items. However, if you have store-bought pickles, follow the package instructions for refrigeration, if necessary. 

Because the moisture of the fridge can make them gritty and sweet, potatoes are best kept at room temperature in a paper bag.

The fermentation process involved with soy sauce means you can store it in a cabinet for up to a year. Again, always follow the instructions on your packaging as not every product is the same.

Store tomatoes at room temperature outside of the fridge to help protect their flavor and juiciness.

High acidity levels of vinegar make it ideal for storing at room temperature.