Storing Watermelons on the Counter Rather Than in the Fridge Preserves Nutrients

According to a report from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, watermelons stored at room temperature retain more nutrients than those stored in the fridge and even more than freshly picked melons. Findings showed that watermelons continue to produce nutrients after they are picked and that chilling slows this process. When measured against other freshly picked fruit, the study showed watermelon that was stored at 70 F gained up to 40 percent more lycopene and 50 percent to 139 percent extra beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.

Storing Dried Goods

After purchasing, store dried pasta, rice (except brown rice), and whole grains in tightly covered containers in a cool dry place. Refrigerate brown rice. Refrigerate or freeze grains, if they will not be used within 5 months.

Storing Fresh Herbs

If you buy bunches of fresh herbs at a market or plan to refrigerate your garden-grown herbs, keep each variety in a separate airtight container lined with paper towels. The herbs will keep for several days in the refrigerator, but the sooner they are used, the better they will taste.

Storing Beans

Dried, packaged beans will keep indefinitely in a cool, dry place, as will cans or jars. Cooked, cooled beans can be stored covered for a day or so in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freezing works very well.