9 Non-Refrigerated Foods Every Expat Needs for Traveling in Hot Climates

A fridge full of organized fruits and vegetables in food storage containers 

With Lottie coming from a very cold climate in the UK and Wyn coming from the Texas heat, we are all too familiar with keeping food the freshest in our respective home countries. (Yes Texas is a country) With that said, we were both still very surprised to learn which foods to keep out of the fridge. Since everyone loves delicious food and saving money, we have compiled a list of foods that taste better when not refrigerated.

Your kitchen is full of dangerous bacteria, and the way you store your food can be endangering the health of your family. While some foods must always be refrigerated, others should be stored out of the fridge to avoid spoiling and becoming inedible. Do you know what belongs where? There are specific instructions for handling and storing each type of food. Learn how to keep your food fresher, longer, and more delicious while also protecting yourself and your loved ones. 

9 Pantry Foods Favorites That You Ought Not To Store In Your Refrigerator

AVOCADOS

A plate with Chicken Fajitas with some delicious Guacamole and Avocados garnish

A mainstay of many diets, avocados might lose some of their ripening qualities if they are stored in the refrigerator. Avocados should be stored at room temperature to obtain that smooth, ideal texture. Put some apple or banana in a brown paper bag along with your avocados if they're not quite ripe. Ripeness will be accelerated by the ethylene gas in these fruits. You can consume them right away after they're ripe or, if necessary, store them in the refrigerator for a brief while, but you should never keep them cold before they ripen.

The Best Fruit Vegetable Market Place | Playa del Carmen, Mexico | 2021 Vlog

In today's video of Lottie and Wyn, we go shopping at a local fruit and vegetable market in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. We found that some items you can get cheaper from a supermarket and some things you can get a better price at the market which also helps local small businesses. Additionally, prices for items have been displayed for ease of reference.

DONUTS 

A box of decadent beautiful decorated scrumptious donuts

A warm, freshly made donut—who could resist? Donuts should be covered and kept at room temperature to preserve their delicious texture. Donuts can get stale and soggy if they are kept in the refrigerator. They are best eaten a few days after baking. If you need to keep them longer, you can want to freeze them and reheat them just enough to serve.

AGED CHEESE

A beautiful plate of aged cheese with some cured meats, fruits and nuts, and a teared baguette

Hard cheese connoisseurs are aware that hard cheeses shouldn't be kept in the refrigerator. These cheeses may become overly brittle due to the low temperature. Hard cheeses—like Gouda or Parmesan—go through a curing procedure to become sturdy at room temperature. Keep them in a pantry or cabinet or somewhere cool and dark. To preserve its quality, make sure the cheese is securely wrapped in wax or parchment paper.

RECOMMENDED: Find a list of high-quality kitchen gadgets, storage solutions, and food preservation products.

POTATOES

A cast iron skillet with some T-bone seasoned steak and Idaho potatoes, garnished with rosemary 

Instead of being kept in the refrigerator, potatoes are best kept in a cold, dry location. Potatoes lose some of their starch and become sugar when refrigerated, giving them a grainy, sweet flavor. Potatoes should be kept out of direct sunshine and heat in a pantry or cupboard for the best flavor and texture. However, if you need to preserve leftovers after cooking, it's okay to put them in the refrigerator.

GARLIC

Some garnishes with a garlic cloves and a portion of olive oil with balsamic vinegar

Since garlic grows best in a dry, chilly climate, your pantry is the ideal place for it. To avoid mold, store garlic bulbs in a container that allows for adequate air. Garlic that is kept in an airtight container may deteriorate quickly. To keep garlic fresh, use it within ten days of breaking the bulb. The strong flavor and health advantages of garlic are preserved with proper preservation.

ONIONS

A beautifully plated summer berry salad with perfectly cooked lamb chops, garnished with some caramelized onions 

It is not advisable to store whole, uncut onions in the fridge. Onions may get soft and moldy due to the refrigerator's moisture content. A mushy mess may eventually result from the cold turning the onions' natural starches into sugars. For optimal freshness and crispness, store onions in a vented container or a mesh bag in a cold, dry environment.

RECOMMENDED: Find a list of products like food storage containers, pantry organizers, or refrigeration alternatives.

EGGS

A beautifully plated Eggs Benedict with some hollandaise sauce and garnished with some chives

The question of whether or not to refrigerate eggs is still up for debate. Eggs are stored at room temperature without any problems in many regions of the world. Nonetheless, it's advisable to keep eggs cool to preserve their freshness if you buy them from a refrigerated section. Eggs that are purchased at room temperature and consumed within a week are generally acceptable. Make sure you are always following the rules and customs regarding egg storage in your community.

COFFEE

An array of blueberry chocolate ganache cake alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee

Coffee enthusiasts will tell you that keeping coffee in the refrigerator or freezer is not recommended. Moisture in these situations can dilute the flavor of the coffee. For the best results, keep coffee beans or grounds in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. If you have a considerable amount, freezing may be acceptable, but make sure to defrost it carefully to avoid moisture exposure.

HONEY

A breakfast pot with some yogurt, blackberries strawberries, granola with nuts and honey

Honey is another pantry item that should never be refrigerated. When honey is refrigerated, it crystallizes and becomes harder. Honey should be stored in a cool, dry closet away from heat and light. Despite its extended shelf life and resilience to deterioration, honey should not be given to infants under the age of one year due to the danger of botulism. Honey can stay indefinitely if stored properly, however color and consistency changes are usual.

British American couple | Rating Mexican Snacks |La Fiesta Live Eating Online | ASMR Mukbang

Welcome to our Mexican food mukbang! In this episode, we get to sample various popular Mexican snacks that are exclusive to the region, here in the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo in the state of Yucatán Peninsula. For those who love a good snack join us on this first taste test ASMR Mukbang!

Why Proper Storage Matters

Proper food storage is important for both flavor preservation and food safety. Refrigerating foods that should be stored at room temperature can cause changes in texture, flavor, and even deterioration. On the other hand, keeping certain items cold might cause them to lose quality and become unappealing or even dangerous to consume.

Understanding these nuances can help expats adjust to new culinary situations while retaining the quality of their meals. Whether you're adjusting to the chilly weather of the UK or the heat of Texas, understanding how to properly store your pantry basics will not only improve your meals but also keep them safe and tasty.

Please feel free to share these suggestions with other expats and people who are new to navigating their kitchens in a new country. Enjoy your fresh, well-preserved goods and the delicious recipes they inspire!