Experts Warn You Should NEVER Store These 5 Foods On The Counter
If your kitchen is anything like mine, it's prone to clutter—especially the counter. The kitchen counter is where you dump groceries, fresh produce, and where you keep you're go-to spices and oils. But the countertop isn't the most ideal (or sometimes, safe) place for some food items.
"Most foods should not be stored on the kitchen counter," said Ann Ziata, chef at Institute of Culinary Education. "Because of its proximity to the stove and oven, it’s a space that can get warm very quickly, which can cause ingredients to spoil. Additionally, she added, sunlight also encourages the growth of bacteria in food, which can cause sprouting.
We know what foods shouldn't be stored in the refrigerator, but what about those that shouldn't be kept on the kitchen counter?
Potatoes
Potatoes are best stored in the dark rather than on the counter because they can absorb sunlight and turn green," said Brian Quoc Le, food scientist and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. "This results in a bitter flavor and a higher concentration of a toxin called solanine in the potato skin."
Oils
"Oils are sensitive to sunlight, heat, and oxygen, and prolonged exposure will make the oils go bad," said Ziata. "It’s best to keep unrefined oils in opaque containers, away from direct sunlight." Refined oils, like vegetable oils, she notes, aren't as vulnerable to spoilage.
Most people keep a bottle of olive oil on the counter for easy use, and we're not saying you have to throw your go-to bottle in the cupboard. Ziata says that small amounts of olive oil in opaque containers are fine to be left out on the counter.
If you purchase large containers of oil, just pour it into smaller bottles that can be refilled.
Eggs
"While freshly laid eggs can be safely placed on the counter, store-bought eggs should be kept in the refrigerator because they have been commercially washed, which removes the protective cuticle that keeps microorganisms out of the shell," said Le.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eggs shouldn't be kept out of the refrigerator for more than two hours or over one hour if the temperature is above 90 °F.
Tortillas
While tortillas can be left out at room temperature, they will often last longer if they're refrigerated, especially after opening. "Actually, if you look closely at the packaging, many tortilla companies recommend storing opened packages in the fridge for optimal freshness and slow down spoiling," said Angel Luk, dietician and author of You Can't Out-Train A Bad Diet. Until opening, she recommends storing the package at room temperature in a cool, dry, and dark spot.
Mayo and Some Condiments
Due to its egg content, mayo should always be stored in the refrigerator and never left out. Other condiments like ketchup and maple syrup, are often safe at room temperature, but may last longer in the fridge, according to Luk. Of course, you should always check storage instructions on the bottle.
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