Never Store These Items In Your Kitchen Cabinet (And Where To Store Them Instead)
It is easy to assume that any shelf in the kitchen works for pantry storage, but some items react poorly to heat, light, and humidity. Storing them in the wrong spot can shorten their shelf life.
By knowing what to keep out of your cabinets, you can protect food and kitchen items and avoid waste.
Cooking oils
Many oils break down faster when exposed to warm temperatures. Kitchen cabinets near the stove often trap heat, causing oils to turn rancid sooner.
Storing them in a cool, dark place will preserve flavor and keep them fresh. Light and heat affect delicate oils the most, so proper storage keeps them tasting clean and stable.
Fresh produce
Items like onions, potatoes, and garlic need air circulation and cooler temperatures than a closed cabinet can provide. Storing them in cabinets traps moisture and speeds up sprouting or mold.
These foods last longer in open baskets or in well ventilated areas. Keeping them out of cabinets will ensure they stay firm and fresh for longer.
Coffee
Coffee absorbs moisture and odors easily. Storing it in warm cabinets can dull flavor and make it stale faster.
Coffee stays freshest in airtight containers kept in a cool, dark place. Good storage preserves its aroma and ensures a better cup every time you brew.
Spices above the stove
Heat and steam quickly weaken spices, causing them to lose their potency. Cabinets above or near the stove may seem convenient but lead to the flavor fading more quickly.
Spices do best in a cool, dry space away from heat sources. Proper storage keeps them aromatic and useful for much longer.
Cookbooks
Storing cookbooks in the kitchen cabinet may seem logical, but it can actually put them at risk of being damaged.
Heat and humidity from cooking and dishwashing can warp pages or cause moisture issues in cookbooks. Instead, store them in a cool, dry location away from these sources of heat.
The takeaway
Storing kitchen items in the right place makes a big difference in freshness, flavor, and longevity. Avoiding warm, enclosed cabinets for sensitive foods protects your ingredients and helps them perform better in your cooking.
With a few simple adjustments, your pantry stays organized, efficient, and ready for everyday meals.