Keep Your Dried Spices Dry
Storing dried herbs and spices in the refrigerator is not a great idea. The cold, damp air of the fridge is only going to cause mold to grow. Taking the spices in and out of the fridge for use shortens the shelf life by putting extra stress on the leaves.
Light, moisture, and air are natural enemies of dry leaves and spices. However, some seeds like poppy or sesame can be stored in the fridge, and may even prefer it. Red powder spices like cayenne and paprika also do better in the fridge, which helps them hold onto their vibrant colors.
No Need to ‘Refrigerate After Opening’
Most people store salsa in jars in the refrigerator. But, if your fridge is short on real estate, you can just leave it out, even after it is opened. Canned salsa jars are often packed with preservative ingredients like vinegar, citrus acid, and salt, which keep them safer for longer.
But if you serve it, just make sure that dipping into the salsa is done with a spoon. Otherwise, pour some salsa out into a bowl to serve in order to keep the original jar clean and free of leftover nachos. Food remnants inside jarred salsa will cause it to go bad very soon.
Mustard Has a Long Shelf Life
If you're an avid mustard fan, you'll probably know you can keep your jar or bottle in the pantry or on the table. It is filled with natural preservatives and will not spoil while sitting out. A jar of mustard can last up to two to three years beyond its expiration date.
Not only is mustard preserved with vinegar, but it also contains no sugar and no fat, making it a great condiment to have on hand. Storing it in the fridge does increase its shelf life. However, if you like a honey and mustard version, then you should probably keep it in the fridge.
Should You Refrigerate Potatoes?
If you want your potatoes to last a long time, you can store them in the fridge. However, it should be known that you are selling the soul of your spud by doing so. The cold air inside the fridge creates a chemical reaction inside the potato that proves detrimental to taste.
Starch turns to sugar, and spots, premature sprouting, and a bitter taste result. Potatoes are known for storing well, only growing sprouts after a long time. So, to make the most out of your potatoes, you can keep them in your pantry, in a cool, dark place above 50 degrees.
Vinaigrette Salad Dressings Can Sit Out
There is no reason to refrigerate vinaigrette salad dressing. Refrigeration causes it to congeal and thicken, making it inconvenient to use. If you don’t remember to take it out of the fridge before your serve dinner, it’s a blob of unusable gel. Besides that, dressing tastes better at room temp.
Ingredients like vinegar work as a great preservative; however, one thing to consider is that the shelf life of vinaigrette is shortened significantly by ingredients like garlic and lemon juice. It gives your dressing a tangy zip, but it will only last a few days, whether refrigerated or left out.