If you have a habit of storing certain foods in the refrigerator to keep them fresh, you may be making a serious mistake. Experts reveal that one of the most consumed foods in Portuguese cuisine loses flavor, texture and quality when exposed to cold. But after all, what food is this and where should it be kept? Learn more now in this article.
The fridge may be spoiling the taste
Most people believe that cold preserves food, but this is not always true. In the case of tomatoes, refrigeration alters its structure, making it flourish and less juicy. Studies indicate that low temperatures destroy essential components for their taste and aroma, making it tasteless.
If you ever felt that the tomato seemed ‘lifeless’ after taking it from the fridge, now you know what the reason is. The cold interferes with its maturation and the production of the compounds responsible for the ‘authentic flavor’.
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ATTENTION: The tomato absorbs odors from the fridge
Another problem of storing it in the cold is that your thin skin easily absorbs the odors of other foods, further compromising your taste. If you put it close to cheese, onions or other products with strong smells, you will notice an unpleasant difference on the palate.
To avoid this, the solution is to keep it at the right place, ensuring that it remains fresh without losing its natural properties.
Where to keep the tomato correctly?
Experts recommend keeping it at room temperature, in a dry place far from the direct light of the sun. If it is not yet completely mature, leaving it exposed to air helps develop its flavor and natural aroma.
However, if you are already very mature and not consume it quickly, you can store it in the refrigerator for a short time. But there is an essential trick: remove it a few hours before eating it to recover part of its original flavor.
What if you are already cut? What to do?
If you need to store the tomato after cutting it, the refrigerator will be the best option to prevent it from spoiling quickly. However, you should follow a simple technique: Place the cut part facing down in a closed container. This will keep your freshness longer.
If you use it for soups or sauces, the texture will not be so relevant, so it can be stored without problems. But if you want it for cold dishes, make sure you leave it at room temperature before consuming.
Conclusion
According to, storing tomatoes in the fridge may seem like a good idea, but the truth is that it compromises its taste and quality. Whenever possible, keep it out of the cold and discover the difference.
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