HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: 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. Lower 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 low, 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 low 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 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, Calif. DEAR READERS: As we move toward cooler weather, please take your pets inside on chilly fall nights. After all, a pet is a family member and needs to be loved and protected. And no, a doghouse does not provide enough shelter when temperatures go down in the winter.