In my years of medical practice, I have witnessed that the causes of many diseases are related to the most common thing in our daily lives – the way we store food. Today, I want to talk about an artifact that is indispensable in our homes: the refrigerator. Although the refrigerator is an indispensable tool for modern families to preserve food, and it provides a huge help to our food safety and convenience, not all food is suitable for the refrigerator.
Let me share an impressive case. A middle-aged woman came to me with persistent stomach pain and indigestion. After detailed questioning, I found out that she has a habit of putting whatever food she buys, whether it is bananas, potatoes or tomatoes, in the refrigerator. She thinks it keeps the food fresh. However, this seemingly reasonable storage method is the invisible killer of her health problems. Especially for tomatoes, low-temperature storage not only destroys their original flavor, but also causes changes in the internal structure of tomatoes due to low temperature, which affects the nutritional value and digestion and absorption of food.
Types of foods that should not be refrigerated and why
Tomatoes: Many people are used to putting tomatoes in the refrigerator, believing that this will keep them fresher for longer. In fact, refrigeration can cause damage to the cellular structure of the tomato, making it blistered and tasteless. To make matters worse, the low temperature can also interrupt the chemical processes of flavor formation in tomatoes, causing them to lose that distinctive tomato umami flavor. Therefore, it is best to keep the tomatoes at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, which will preserve their optimal flavor and texture.
Bananas: Bananas are tropical fruits that are best ripened at room temperature. Placed in the refrigerator, the cold environment will block its natural ripening process, causing the skin to darken, and the interior may remain hard and unripe. In addition, low temperatures can also hinder the conversion of starch into sugar in bananas, affecting their natural sweetness. So, if you're hoping to enjoy perfectly ripe bananas, keeping them ripe at room temperature is key.
Potatoes: Many people may not know that storing potatoes in the fridge actually converts their starch into sugar, which not only changes the taste of potatoes and sweetens them, but also affects how they perform when cooked, such as not being crispy enough when fried. The best way to store potatoes is to keep them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry, away from light and moisture.
By understanding the properties of these foods and their response to cold and temperature, we can better preserve them, ensuring that they are presented at their best on our table. Remember, proper storage not only preserves the nutrition and taste of food, but also helps us enjoy every meal healthier.
Proper storage methods
tomato
Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration can cause the internal structure of the tomato to become pulverized, affecting its natural flavor. Placing tomatoes in a well-ventilated area, preferably in a fruit basket in the kitchen, will prolong their freshness while maintaining their optimal taste.
banana
The storage of bananas should also avoid refrigeration, as low temperatures can interrupt their ripening process, resulting in rapid blackening of the skin. The best way to store the bananas is to hang them on a banana rack in the kitchen or to keep them in a fruit basket at room temperature. If you want to speed up ripening, you can put the banana in a closed paper bag with a ripe apple or tomato.
potato
Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, such as a cellar or a specialized locker. The most critical thing is to avoid storing potatoes in plastic bags, as plastic bags can lock in moisture and promote rotting. The ideal storage container should be a mesh bag or an open basket to keep the potatoes fresh and circulate air and keep them fresh.
Health Tips
Check the packaging and expiration date: When purchasing, make sure to check that the packaging of the food is intact and pay attention to the expiration date. Broken packaging can lead to air and bacteria intrusion, accelerating food spoilage.
Proper storage containers: Use airtight containers to store foods that need to be kept at room temperature, such as tomatoes and bananas. This helps to preserve their freshness and prevent premature decay.
Separate storage: Certain foods placed together can speed up the ripening process with each other, for example, ethylene gas released by bananas can speed up the ripening of surrounding fruits. Therefore, storing these foods separately can slow down their ripening process and increase their shelf life.
Correct temperature and environment: For foods like potatoes that need to be stored in a cool, dry place, avoid storing them in a moist or excessively hot environment to prevent them from sprouting or rotting.
Regular inspections: Regularly check the state of stored food and remove any items that are starting to spoil or damage. Not only does this help maintain the freshness of the food, but it also prevents spoiled food from affecting the quality of other food items.
By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that food is kept in tip-top condition, reduce waste, and protect the health of you and your family. Remember, proper food storage is an important part of a healthy diet.