Watch For These 10 Foods You Should Never Put In Your Fridge

One of the best parts of the holidays is all the delicious food. At my house, the baking started around Thanksgiving and is just now tapering off. To really make a difference in our cooking, food preparation is key. Refrigeration is a necessity for many foods; the chilly air can also damage certain foods, especially their taste.

Get our free mobile app

The Food Network knows all about delicious dishes and food preparation. While arranging everything in the refrigerator might sound like a good idea, in this article you'll find there are certain foods better enjoyed at room temperature. Let's check out which foods are preferable left unrefrigerated.

LOOK: WATCH FOR THESE 10 FOODS YOU SHOULD NEVER PUT IN YOUR FRIDGE

Coffee

Putting your coffee in the refrigerator can cause watery condensation - a no-go for the flavor of ground or whole coffee beans. Instead, store in an airtight container in your kitchen cabinet.

Tomatoes

The cold of the refrigerator makes tomatoes dull and mushy. They're best kept out on the counter. When they ripen, it's time to make homemade salsa.

Potatoes

Temperatures in the refrigerator will speed up breakdown of the potato's starches into sugars. This could cause an undesirable sweet taste to your taters. Storing potatoes in a cool, dry place is the best route.

Baked Goods

Nothing will crumble your cookie quicker than a refrigerator. The fats in baked products harden in colder temperatures, affecting taste and texture. Nobody likes a rock-hard brownie.

Bread

It may hold off mold growth a bit, but refrigerating bread can dry it out quick. If you have a surplus of bread, try freezing and toasting it as needed.

Onions

Uncut onions are fine sitting out at room temperature. In fact, the humidity of the refrigerator can turn them mushy and nasty. Once they're cut though, refrigerate them in a container.

Melons

Keep whole melons out on the countertop for best flavor. There's even evidence that melons at room temperature help keep antioxidants more intact. Once the melon has been cut, it can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.

Citrus

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are grown in warm environments so it only makes sense that there is no refrigeration needed here (until the fruit is cut open).

Apples

Fresh apples are great to leave out on the counter. Refrigerating them can cause a mushy, undesirable taste.

Hot Sauce

Want to keep your sauce boss? Then you'll want to keep it out of the fridge. The potency of the peppers is better at room temperature, plus there's plenty of vinegar to prevent bacterial growth.

If you're like me, one New Year's resolution is to cook at home more. Cooking at home saves money and is a healthier option. Knowing these little tips and tricks around the kitchen can help make things that much easier.

The beginning of a new year can be hectic. Thank goodness there are foods you can incorporate into your diet that help with stress, depression and more. Check out these foods and their benefits below.