Have you ever entered your kitchen with a bag full of groceries and thought, “Maybe these vegetables and groceries should be kept on the countertop?” Well, keep that thought going! Although your kitchen countertop may seem like the perfect place to store your kitchen items and showcase their freshness, some foods should stay away from that spot. Storing them in the wrong place can lead to spoilage, loss of flavor and worst of all – a waste of money. Are you wondering which foods should stay away from kitchen countertops? Then you have come to the right page! Read on to learn which common foods should be transferred to a new location in your pantry or fridge.
Also read: 6 ways you’re wasting the lifespan of your fridge
Photo: iStock
Here Are 5 Foods You Shouldn’t Keep on Kitchen Countertops
1. Eggs
Yes, we’ve all seen eggs in grocery stores, but it’s not possible (or recommended) to do the same at home. Placing eggs on the kitchen countertop is strictly prohibited! Eggs can spoil quickly, especially during temperature fluctuations (which occurs throughout the year). Bacteria prefer warm environments, and you don’t want to burst a rotten egg. Plus, kitchen countertops hold all kinds of appliances, especially gas stoves, so your eggs can stay in a consistently warm environment. So, keep those eggs in the fridge and save yourself a breakfast disaster.
2. Bread
Who doesn’t love soft and fluffy bread? But when you leave it on the countertop, it will go from fresh to stale faster than you can make delicious avocado toast. Additionally, leaving bread on the kitchen countertop can also cause moisture to build up, which can lead to mold. The best place to store your bread is in a bread box or refrigerator. And if you have a little extra, store it for future use. Trust me, your sandwiches will thank you for keeping the bread fresher longer!
3. Onion
Onions may look like a vegetable that should be kept in a basket on your kitchen counter, but if left out for too long it can sprout. Plus, over time, they can get totally squishy (no, thanks!). The best way to store onions is in a cool, dry place like the pantry. Keep them away from potatoes, as they can spoil both vegetables quickly. And remember, keep them away from plastic bags! Leave them out in the fresh air for a crunchy taste in your curry.
Photo: iStock
4. Tomato
One of the most popular debates in the culinary world is whether to store tomatoes in the refrigerator or on the counter. When it comes to tomatoes, the kitchen countertop is not the best choice. Leaving them out in the open speeds up their ripening process, meaning they can go from thick to soft in just a few days. Instead, find a shady area in your kitchen to store them until ripe, or pop them in the fridge to preserve their flavor and texture.
5. Potato
Potatoes and kitchen countertops don’t go well together. Starchy potatoes are best suited for cool, dark environments such as a pantry or cabinet. On the counter, they are constantly exposed to light, which causes them to germinate and develop green spots (which is not attractive at all!). To avoid germination, keep them in a breathable bag or place in a shady spot. This will keep them firm and delicious for all your potato desires!
Also read: 5 Microwave Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)
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