Certain foods are simply not meant to be stored on the counter. Have you ever browsed through produce at a farmer’s market and wondered why items like eggs, berries, and other produce are kept out? At home, you might question whether these should stay in a decorative bowl on your counter or be refrigerated. The reality is, farm-fresh produce and dairy require different handling compared to grocery store items.
Here’s a guide to understanding why some items are best kept in the refrigerator or pantry, rather than on the counter.
Farm fresh eggs differ from those sold commercially, and they should be stored differently. Eggs from the farmer’s market can stay on the counter, thanks to a protective layer from the laying process. However, grocery store eggs should be refrigerated as their shells can harbor bacteria if left out for more than two hours. Refrigeration also prolongs their shelf life.
A common myth is that potatoes last on the counter for over a week, but exposure to sunlight and heat makes them turn green and sprout. Store them in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry for up to two weeks. Use a brown paper bag instead of airtight containers, which trap moisture.
Similarly, onions belong in a cool, dark space but should never be stored with potatoes because ethylene gas emitted from potatoes will cause onions to sprout. A pantry, cellar, garage, or basement works well for onions, which can last up to a month when properly stored.
Cucumbers don’t handle humidity or moisture well, meaning they shouldn’t be left on the countertop for long. Instead, refrigerate them to keep them crisp and fresh for several days.
Keeping fruits and vegetables on the counter makes them ripen faster, but they quickly become overripe. Fruits like peaches, bananas, and avocados attract fruit flies after a few days on the counter. Storing ripened produce in the fridge extends its shelf-life.
Pre-cut produce, whether bought or prepared at home, should go straight into the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
