What to Put in a Fridge: A Guide for Kenyan Households

The refrigerator is a modern kitchen essential that helps keep food fresh for longer, minimizes waste, and improves our daily meals’ quality. 

In Kenya, where various types of foods are available throughout the year, understanding how to properly store them in the fridge can make a big difference in maintaining freshness and reducing waste.

This article guides you on what to put in your fridge and how to organize it for maximum efficiency.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Kenya’s warm climate supports a wide variety of fresh produce, from tropical fruits like mangoes and bananas to vegetables like sukuma wiki (kale) and other leafy greens. Here’s how to properly store them:

Fruits

Apples, oranges, pineapples, and berries should be stored in the fridge’s crisper drawer. However, keep bananas, avocados, and mangoes at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.

Vegetables

Leafy greens like spinach and sukuma wiki should be kept in the crisper drawer, ideally wrapped in a damp paper towel to maintain freshness. Carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage also do well in the fridge. 

However, potatoes, onions, and garlic are best stored in a cool, dry place outside the fridge to prevent them from sprouting or losing flavor.

Tip: Keep fruits and vegetables separate in the fridge, as some fruits release ethylene gas, which can spoil veggies faster.

Dairy Products

Dairy products are popular in many Kenyan households, especially milk, cheese, and yogurt. These need to be stored correctly to keep them fresh:

Milk

Store milk in its original container and keep it in the middle shelf, where the temperature is consistent. Avoid storing it in the door compartment, as frequent opening and closing can cause temperature fluctuations.

Cheese

Wrap cheese in wax paper or an airtight container before refrigerating. This prevents it from drying out and keeps it fresh longer.

Yogurt and Butter

Store yogurt in its original container, and butter should be kept in a sealed compartment or airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture.

Meat, Fish, and Poultry

Proper storage of meat, fish, and poultry is crucial to prevent spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Here’s what you should do:

Raw Meat and Fish

Keep fresh meat and fish in their original packaging or place the raw goods on a tray and store them on the lowest shelf of the fridge. Doing so prevents any drips from contaminating other foods. Use a plastic dish with a lid for long-term storage of meat the fridge’s freezer compartment.

Cooked Meat

Store leftovers in airtight containers and consume them within 3-4 days to maintain their flavor and safety.

Tip: If you buy meat in bulk, consider portioning and freezing it to avoid spoilage.

Eggs

In Kenya, eggs are a staple ingredient for breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes. To ensure eggs remain fresh, store them in their original plastic or cardboard tray on a middle shelf.  This ensures a consistent temperature. 

Note that storing eggs in fridge door compartments is not ideal due to temperature changes when opened frequently.

Also avoid washing eggs before storing them. Doing this removes their protective coating which then allows bacteria to enter.

Leftovers and Prepared Meals

A fridge is perfect for storing leftovers and pre-prepared meals, ensuring they remain fresh and ready for quick use. 

Use airtight containers to store leftovers and label them with the date they were cooked to keep track of their freshness.

Place leftovers on the middle or top shelf, where the temperature is stable, and consume them within 2-3 days.

If you have a lot of food, avoid overloading the fridge. Proper air circulation is key to keeping food fresh.

Sauces, Condiments, and Spreads

Most Kenyan kitchens have a variety of sauces and condiments, from chili sauce to peanut butter. These should be stored as follows:

Sauces

Store sauces like ketchup, chili sauce, and salad dressings in the fridge door. They are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations, making this an ideal spot.

Spreads

For items like peanut butter, check the label. Some do not require refrigeration, but homemade versions often do to prevent spoilage.

Jams and Honey 

These should be kept in the fridge once opened to extend their shelf life, especially in hot climates.

Beverages

Cold drinks are a must in Kenya’s warm weather. Luckily, your fridge can keep them perfectly chilled.

Store water bottles, sodas, and juices on the fridge door for easy access. The door is generally not as cold as other parts of the fridge, but it works well for beverages.

Milk-based drinks like mala (fermented milk) should be kept on the middle shelf, where the temperature is cooler and more consistent.

Bread and Baked Goods

Bread and other baked goods can last a long time when stored correctly. Here’s how to do this:

Bread

Bread can be kept in the fridge to extend its freshness, especially in humid areas. However, for the best taste, consume it within a few days or freeze it if not used soon.

Cakes and Pastries

If they contain cream or custard fillings, they should be refrigerated. Store them in airtight containers to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.

Herbs and Fresh Spices

Kenyan cuisine often incorporates fresh herbs like coriander (dhania) and spices such as ginger and garlic. These can be stored in the fridge to maintain their freshness.

Wrap leafy herbs in a damp paper towel and place them in an airtight bag before storing them in the crisper drawer. This helps them stay fresh longer.

Store fresh ginger, garlic, and chilies in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to preserve their flavor.

Things That Should Not Be Refrigerated

While the fridge is excellent for most foods, some items are better left out:

Tomatoes

Storing them in the fridge can cause them to lose flavor and texture. Keep them in a cool, dry place.

Potatoes and Onions

These should be stored in a dry, ventilated area. The fridge can cause potatoes to develop a gritty texture, while onions can become mushy.

Bread

While storing bread in the fridge is an option for extending freshness, it may become dry and lose flavor on prolonged storage. Keeping bread in a cool, dry cabinet works best if you plan to consume it within a few days.

Take Away

Knowing what to put in your fridge and how to organize it can greatly enhance food quality, save money, and reduce waste. By following these tips, Kenyan households can maximize the benefits of their refrigerators, keeping their food fresh and meals delicious. 

Always remember to keep your fridge clean, organize it properly, and regularly check the freshness of stored items.

A well-organized fridge is the heart of a healthy kitchen, ensuring that your favorite Kenyan dishes are always prepared with the freshest ingredients.