Store all foods in the refrigerator out of habit with the intention of preserving them better It is not always the best idea, since in some cases it can alter its flavor and texture and even harm its conservation, according to experts.
“It is not always the most advisable option to maintain its properties,” explains food technology expert Amparo Gamero, collaborating professor of Health Sciences Studies at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC).
This expert highlights five foods that are very present in our diets and what is better to keep away from the refrigerator to consume them in the best possible condition.
- Bread. Storing bread in the refrigerator does not necessarily prolong its freshness and can also cause a loss of food quality in terms of texture or flavor. “Putting, for example, sliced bread in the refrigerator can be counterproductive, because it increases humidity and thus the risk of molding,” explains Gamero. It is best to store the bread at room temperature, in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel, or freeze it to keep it fresh and with its organoleptic properties for longer.
- Chocolate. The cold of the refrigerator can alter the fat emulsion in the chocolate, affecting its softness and creaminess. Sudden changes in temperature are not recommended, because they vary its texture. Chocolate in the refrigerator remains whitish and when eaten it has a texture between grainy and earthy. For Gamero, the best way to keep it is in a cool place, between 15 and 20 degrees, away from direct light, and store it in its original packaging or in an airtight container to protect it from odors and contaminants.
- Garlic. It is advisable to avoid refrigerating garlic heads or cloves, because they can germinate after a few days. Sprouted garlic tends to have a more intensely bitter flavor. “The pantry is usually a good place to store them, at a temperature of approximately 15 degrees, as long as they are away from the potatoes, since garlic and onions emit gases that can accelerate the germination of potatoes,” says the expert. , professor of the master’s degree in Healthy and Sustainable Eating at the UOC. To preserve them for a long time, they can also be preserved, covering the peeled garlic cloves in olive oil, in a tightly closed glass container, or they can also be frozen, whole or chopped.
- Bananas. In many cases, the plantains or bananas that are sold are still green. Refrigerating them ahead of time can cause them to be hard and flavorless, since the refrigerator considerably slows down the ripening process. In addition, the skin ends up acquiring a brown tone that does not invite you to eat them, even though they are fine and edible inside. “To consume them with the desired degree of ripeness, it is best to leave them in a cool, but not cold, environment. And it is important to avoid leaving them in the fruit bowl near the apples because when they ripen they increase their emission of ethylene, a gas that can accelerate bananas ripen too quickly,” he warns.
- Coffee. In the refrigerator, both coffee beans and ground coffee absorb moisture and lose their aroma and flavor. The best place to store coffee is in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
How to organize the refrigerator
Regarding the foods that should be kept in the refrigerator, the UOC professor advises following some keys to optimize their conservation.. To avoid cross-contamination, it is best to separate raw foods from cooked foods and store them in containers.
The foods that They need less cold, like cooked foods, they can go on the upper shelves, and the drinks, sauces or jams, at the door. Instead, the Fresh products such as meat and fish are best placed on the bottom shelf.just before the vegetable drawer.
In the Fruits and vegetables can be stored in the lower drawers, where they are protected from direct cold.. And, of course, keep the refrigerator clean by doing a thorough cleaning once a month.
#banana #chocolate #foods #refrigerator #expert
