These days, you just can't be too safe when it comes to your health, your online security, your banking and your food.
So more and more of us are putting more and more food items in the refrigerator, just to be safe. But it's not always a good idea.
When refrigeration can hurt
With so many illnesses in the news, it seems like a little extra refrigeration can't hurt. But a new report says in some cases, it can.
The report by consumer blogger Christopher Snow says you can ruin many vegetables by refrigerating them.
Among them:
- Potatoes: Cold makes them starchy.
- Onions: Cold makes them rot.
- Tomatoes: They get hard when cold.
- Bananas: They turn brown faster when cold.
- Any unripened fruit: It will rot before it ripens in the dark fridge.
Peaches and plums should be kept at room temperature until they are fully ripe. Once ripe, refrigeration could preserve them a few more days.
When refrigeration makes things stale
From the "doesn't that stink" file: Items that get stale faster in the refrigerator include:
- Bread
- Rolls and muffins
- Pastries
Ice cold, stale muffin for breakfast? Doesn't that stink?
Which leads to perhaps the worst food to refrigerate: Honey. It crystallizes if cold.
Honey is a natural preservative, so it can last for years in your cupboard.
Bottom line: If it turns brown, cloudy or just icky after refrigeration, ask around. You may be chilling something that doesn't need chilling.
So chill out and don't waste your money.
Don't Waste Your Money is a registered trademark of the EW Scripps Co. Like John Matarese on Facebook and follow John on Twitter@JohnMatarese
