Refrigerator or Pantry...

I came across an article today about what NOT to keep in the fridge and thought I'd check it out. I did a little research/fact checking and here's what I found..

These items should be kept in the pantry...they keep longer and free up much needed space in the fridge:

Bread - the refrigerator sucks out all the moisture and leaves it all dry and stale. It is suggested that you keep what you will eat within 4 days at room temperature and freeze the rest.

Coffee - I've always been told that the freezer is the best place to keep your coffee fresh. Turns out, the fridge (and freezer) create condensation, which can affect the flavor of your coffee (grounds or beans). Best to keep it in an airtight container in the pantry or cabinet.

 Batteries - Really? Umm, who  is seriously keeping batteries in the fridge? Whatever...don't answer that. Batteries are best stored in a drawer at room temp. Extreme temps. (hot or cold) can diminish performance.

Garlic - Does  well (up to 2 months) in the pantry. Store it loose, so air can move around it.

Hot Sauce - Most brands can live in the pantry for up to 3 years (3 years, people!)

Onions - Do well in the pantry in their mesh bag (or any bag that allows air circulation). Keep them away from the potatoes, which emit moisture and gases that can cause onions to rot.

Potatoes - not so sure about the "moisture and gases" these guys are emitting, but they store well in the pantry in paper bags and should last for up to 3 weeks.

Tomatoes - these big red blobs of yummy goodness get mealy in the fridge. They're best stored on the counter, out of plastic bags. To help speed ripening, store in a paper bag. Once ripe, they'll last for about 3 days.

Winter Squash - These little beauties, such as acorn, butternut, delicate and spaghetti will last a month or more in the pantry.

Nail polish - Are you kidding me? Who does that? What in the world would cause a person to want to store their polish in the fridge?  Nail polish will thicken in the fridge. Best to store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

So that got me thinking...wonder if there's stuff in my pantry that should actually be in the fridge? Here's what I found (some might surprise you):

Avocados - ripen on the counter or in a brown bag. Once ripe, store in the fridge to prolong shelf.

Fresh cut flowers - These tend to last a little longer if you store them in the fridge overnight.

Whole wheat flour - unless your baking up a storm with a bunch of whole wheat flour, transfer to a freezer bag and store in the fridge...it will last 6 times longer. (White flour is fine in the pantry)

Garden seeds - place these little guys in a moisture proof container and store in the fridge. Cool temperature extends the seeds' vitality.

Natural peanut butter - cool temperature preserves the oil. Stir once before putting in the fridge and it shouldn't separate later.

Eggs - Believe it or not, there are apparently people out there that debate whether eggs belong in the fridge or the pantry. I thought this was a no-brainer, but "research" shows that eggs kept at incorrect temperatures can carry salmonella (shocker, right?) So unless you are raising your own grain-fed, free-range chickens, that you can ensure have no signs of salmonella, these puppies should be stored in the fridge!

Homemade cookies - OMG...these are never around long enough to worry about, but apparently they stay fresh longer in the fridge.

Cologne and Eau de Toilette - Sorry guys, I don't want to have to go to the fridge whenever  I want to spray some "scent" on me, but study shows that the cool temperature helps retain fragrance for about two years. (Note: Perfume should be stored at room temperature.)

Lipstick - Once again, I don't want to have to run to the fridge for a quick lip update, but I suppose if you're an extreme coupon-er and you just bought 50 tubes for 25 cents, then you should store the extras in the fridge...it improves longevity.

 Candles - I never knew this and would probably giggle out loud if I saw candles in a friends fridge, but seems cold wax burns more slowly and drips less. Might have to try this one!

Bananas - There seems to be lots of conflicting ideas when it comes to bananas in the fridge, but it seems that like avocados, bananas should ripen on the counter or in a brown paper bag. Once they reach the level of ripe you like, place them in the fridge. The peels will turn black (and look pretty yucky), but the fruit inside will stay good for up to 2 weeks! And these bad boys will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months if peeled and wrapped well in plastic.

So there you have it. I'm sure there are tons more that could fit in these categories, but I'll leave you to process these few for now.