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Nuts - If you aren’t going to consume any nuts or nut oils in the next few months, you should probably think about putting them in the fridge.

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Aloe vera - Most store-bought gels don’t need to be refrigerated, but fresh aloe vera definitely does! In fact, just keep any aloe products in the fridge, especially in the summer, as chilled aloe does wonders for sunburns.

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Camera film -

Whether or not you’re a photographer, it’s interesting to know that camera film should go in the fridge as well. If kept in the cold, film can stay ‘fresh’ for years after the expiration date.

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Mustard and ketchup -

Condiments don’t typically contain any ingredients that can spoil, but keeping them in the fridge can hinder bacterial growth. And if you have organic products, those should definitely be kept cold.

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Soy sauce -

Like most condiments, you do have the option of leaving your soy sauce in the pantry, since the product has a high sodium content. But doing so means the sauce’s flavor will change! And if you’re not going to use an entire bottle within two months, we recommend putting it in the fridge.

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Flour -

Whole wheat and nut flours should be kept in the fridge. In fact, the wheat germ in whole wheat flour can spoil faster than other types of flour.

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Cheese -

Aged cheeses (like Parmesan) tend to do fine at room temperature, but unaged and soft cheeses (like brie and mozzarella) do not. Just to be safe, we recommend putting all your cheese in a sealed container in the fridge.

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Butter -

Some people prefer softer butter for spreading, and so they keep it out of the fridge. But this only works if you’re finishing the butter within two weeks.

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Cooked rice -

Rice contains a unique bacteria that is rare in other foods and, once cooked, the bacteria can spread viciously. Put your cooked rice in the fridge, and be sure to eat it within a day or so.

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Bananas - If you want your bananas to ripen, we don’t recommend putting them in the fridge. But if they’re already ripe and you want to prevent overripening, then storing them in the cold will help.

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Citrus fruits -

We understand the temptation to display your bright lemons and oranges in a bowl on your counter, but refrigerating them will actually help them last four times longer.

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Fruit spreads -

Even though most labels on jellies and jams recommend refrigeration, many people tend to ignore this. But mold can run rampant in these products, and it is better to put them somewhere colder.

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Eggs -

In the US, eggs are better left in the fridge, as the cleaning process used on them can wash away the cuticle layer that protects the egg. But in other parts of the world this isn’t really necessary, and you’ll often find eggs left unrefrigerated in grocery stores.

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Soy and nut milks -

If nuts go in the fridge, then so too should the milk that comes from them! These products are stable before they are opened, and so they can be stored at room temperature. But once you open them, they should assuredly go in the fridge.

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Cured meats -

While cured meats tend to be consumed fast in any household, the idea is still that they should be refrigerated to prolong freshness.

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Peanut butter -

Unprocessed and organic peanut butter belongs in the fridge, otherwise the oils will separate and become rancid.

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Sweet corn -

Sweet corn is a beloved staple of any barbecue, and we recommend storing it in the fridge if you want to keep as much of that sweetness as possible. But corn should be stored in the fridge for no more than seven days.

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Hardy herbs -

While some herbs (like basil) can thrive at room temperature, other hardier herbs (like thyme and rosemary) should be washed, dried, and refrigerated.

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Tender herbs -

Similarly, tender herbs like cilantro and parsley should be washed and refrigerated in approximately an inch (2.54 cm) of water.

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Dried fruits -

Since they have lower water content than regular fruit, dried fruit can be kept at room temperature for several months. But if you intend to keep them for longer, you should store them in the fridge.

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Tortillas -

After opening a bag of tortillas, be sure to put any leftovers in the fridge. Tortillas are prone to molding if kept outside for too long, and they can dry out quicker than if they were stored in the cold.

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Chocolate syrup -

Chocolate syrup has an impressive shelf life of up to three years if left unopened. But once opened, it’s best to move it to the fridge and consume it within six months.

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Maple syrup -

Pure maple syrup doesn’t contain any preservatives, and will definitely spoil, so the fridge is the best place for it. Conversely, table syrup and pancake syrup can pretty much live at room temperature since they are not natural substances.

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Pies -

Although there is an undeniable logic to putting meat pies in the fridge, people often don’t realize that the same logic applies to fruit pies. The fructose mixed with the flour can create a very cozy home for mold.

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Yeast -

Active dry yeast, the kind used for baking, should be placed in an airtight jar and popped in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze unused yeast.

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Some cooking oils -

While some cooking oils (like olive oil) live pretty well at room temperature, other oils do not and should be kept in the fridge. If you’re in doubt, simply read the label on the bottle.

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Opened wine -

Leftover red wine should be recorked and put in the fridge, as this will slow the oxidation process. To slow it down even further, you can use a vacuum pump, which removes air from the bottle and seals it.

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Cream liqueur -

Creamy liqueurs contain dairy and are therefore prone to spoilage, which is why it is best to store them in the refrigerator.

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Grapes -

Much like any fruit that doesn’t have a hardy exterior, grapes should be refrigerated quickly after being bought.

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Avocados -

As any avocado fan will know, this fruit tends to ripen very quickly and can even overripen if you’re not careful. To slow down the process, just put in the fridge.

Sources: (The European Food Information Council) (The Sydney Morning Herald) (Better Homes & Gardens) (CNET)

See also: Foods you should never reheat in the microwave

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