12 Foods You’re Storing Incorrectly

Sometimes, we store our food automatically because of how we’ve been taught and force of habit, but sometimes, storing your food in the wrong spot can affect how long your ingredients last, and how good they taste.

1. Coffee Beans

Stop refrigerating your coffee – it kills flavor and brings moisture, both of which can ruin a good cup of coffee. Instead, keep them on the counter in a bag, can, or sealed jar. Long term, you can freeze beans if you want.

2. Apples

It’s tempting to showcase a rosy bowl of apples on your kitchen counter for guests, but keeping them in the fridge can extend shelf life. Make sure to put them in a plastic bag as they produce a ripening gas which can cause other veggies to go bad faster.

3. Herbs and spices

Many people keep their dried spices and herbs over the stove or refrigerator, but moisture, heat, and light can break down flavorful oils. Avoid the heat (your fridge has a warm motor) and keep it in a separate drawer instead.

4. Nuts

Sorry, but that trail mix can’t stay at room temp for more than a couple of weeks. Due to the oils in walnuts, pecans and almonds, they need to go to the fridge after that time frame, where they will last up to nine months.