5. Pantry-safe produce

As we all know, plenty of root veggies, like garlic, potatoes, and onions, are best stored in a dark place with decent ventilation. While the pantry can work for these, it’s important to keep them in airy, open baskets and always separate onions from potatoes (so you can keep them fresh for longer).

However, certain fruits, like bananas and avocados, should also be kept at room temperature so you can consume them before they go bad. But once ripened, they last longer in the fridge. The real issue comes when you forget about them tucked away in the pantry, and they start to rot. It’s going to be a mess to clean, and the smell is as terrible as you imagine it to be.

That’s why fruits and veggies are among the items that don’t belong in your pantry! It’s better to keep a fruit basket on the kitchen counter to use them while they’re fresh and juicy. Or, if you’re up for a DIY project and you have a garden, you can build a root cellar to have your own market at home.