There's not too much debate on what should be kept in or out of your fridge. We all know meat should always be kept in the fridge to prevent spoiling, but what about some of those items in your pantry? Are all of them safe in a warmer environment?
Here's a list of eight unlikely foods that you should always keep in your fridge:
1. Certain medications
Medication is not food, but it since you digest it and it keeps your body functioning normally, it might as well should be. Practically everyone I know stores all their medication in their medicine cabinet. The storage area in your bathroom is called that for a reason, but there's actually certain types of medication that will last longer if it's stored in the fridge.
For example, any type of medication containing probiotics need to be kept in the fridge to prevent heat and moisture from killing the good bacteria.
Insulin, penicillin, aspirin, and amoxicillan are other popular medications that you need to make some room for in the fridge.
2. Corn
If you want to enjoy the sweet taste of corn on the cob, store it in the fridge right when you get home to slow down the chemical process that works to change the flavor.
3. Some cooking oils
Experts recommend storing olive, sesame, and walnut oil in the fridge to extend its shelf life.
4. Beef jerky
If you're like me and buy beef jerky in bulk, keep packets of the cured meat in the fridge if they're not going to be consumed in a couple days.
Jerky stays fresh when no oxygen gets to it, so once you open that package, make sure you put it in the fridge before it spoils.
5. Mixed nuts
Store your mixed nuts in a sealed bag in the fridge to prevent them from becoming stale. The healthy oils will start to taste unpleasant if they're left out for too long.
These next ones need to go in your fridge immediately, if they're not already there!
6. Sauces and syrups
Most condiments should be stored in your fridge, but there are probably a few that you usually leave in your pantry.
Make sure you store your maple syrup, ketchup, and chocolate sauces in the fridge to prevent them from spoiling. Keep soy sauce in the fridge to keep it fresh longer. The flavor can start to go away if it's kept in the pantry for too long.
7. Tortillas
I have a pretty small fridge, so I tend to leave breads and tortillas on my kitchen counter. The only problem is that tortillas are prone to get really moldy, and fast, which is why the packaging recommends to refrigerate the whole bag once it's been opened.
If you immediately store it in your fridge, the tortilla will remain fresh for longer than its expiration date. If you keep it in the freezer, it'll last for months!
8. Dried fruit
If you're not about to finish your dried food in a matter of weeks, store it in your fridge to keep it fresh longer and to avoid bugs from finding their way into your pantry or cupboards.
9. Certain alcohol
Alcohol is not cheap, especially if it's the good kind. Once you uncork that bottle of wine, put in the fridge to slow down the oxidation process. If your wine sits on your kitchen counter for too long, it might turn into vinegar.
Champagne is also recommended to be stored in the fridge to prevent browning.
10. Eggs
My family is pretty divided when it comes to the topic of where to store eggs.
In the US, eggs are always recommended to be kept in the fridge. According to CNET, "[Eggs] undergo a washing process to reduce the chances of salmonella contamination. This process washes away the cuticle, which helps keep chemicals and bacteria out of the egg. This is why refrigeration is necessary."
In many other countries, they keep their eggs outside because they don't undergo a washing process, so storing them in the fridge isn't necessary.