What not to store in the fridge

I think we were all told to refrigerate a number of foods that shouldn't actually be refrigerated, many that our grandparents neither refrigerated nor got sick from. Here's a list:

1. Coffee: It just needs to be kept away from humidity. Colder temperatures can make it taste bitter.

2. Bananas: Banana skins turn black if refrigerated. However, you can always peel them and freeze them for later use. If stored too close to other unripe fruit in the refrigerator, bananas can cause the other fruit to ripen.

3. Potatoes: They don't need to be refrigerated. If the temperature is too cold, it will cause the starch in the potatoes to become gritty. Store them in a cool, dry place such as the pantry.

4. Avocados: Refrigeration slows down the ripening process. Let them ripen at room temperature and consume them once they ripen.

5. Onions: Most types of onions are best when stored away from cold temperatures. Once the onions are cut, they should be stored in a baggie and refrigerated.

6. Oil: Various types of oil, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, etc., solidify when refrigerated. Store in a cool place where they will not be affected by sunlight.

7. Honey: Store in a cool, dark place such as a pantry. Honey will crystallize quickly if refrigerated. Although honey will still crystallize eventually if left unconsumed, it does so at a much slower rate if kept in a cool, dark pantry.

8. Bread: If you keep your bread in the refrigerator, its moisture will be drawn out by the humidity in your fridge. You'll end up with dry, tasteless bread. Instead, try freezing the bread and take out what you need to make a sandwich or toast when you're about to eat. Just be sure to let it thaw out first.

9. Melons: Let them ripen on the kitchen counter. Use them up when you can smell a sweetness emanating from them. An exception to this would be watermelon, which does not ripen after being picked.

— G.M.K., Fresno

My mother always did all the cooking and laundry for me while I lived at home. Now that I've graduated from the police academy, I need to set up my own apartment, and to be honest, I'm embarrassed to be calling Mom all the time for help.

The last time I spoke to her, she suggested that I write to you for ways to use both vinegar and baking soda. She said these were old standbys in her home. How do I get these pamphlets?

— Ron J., Oklahoma City

To get either the baking soda or the vinegar pamphlet, just go to Heloise.com or send $5 per pamphlet in a long, stamped, self-address envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda and/or Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

These two pamphlets contain not only cleaning hints and recipes, but many uses of both vinegar and baking soda to help you in the kitchen and in other areas of your life. Good luck!

Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@Heloise.com.

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