Keep this list of foods that don't need to be refrigerated in mind when you're putting groceries away. Fridges Invented Way After Cured Meat. For most of history man has had to exist without refrigeration. Summer Sausage: This is any sausage that can be kept out and doesn't need refrigeration. Q: I’m a surgical resident and I’m frequently on call at the hospital with little time to spare in between cases, so I rarely get to sit down to eat dinner (even a quick one!). The only fridge is nowhere near the ORs, plus there isn’t usually time to run down and heat up food to eat. Canned meat isn’t all Spam and tuna casserole. In the case of refrigerators, one downside is that many people store everything in the fridge, regardless of whether it needs to be. You won’t need to have a cooler around to keep any of these foods fresh, and most of them you don’t even have to cook! They fare best in the pantry, away from potatoes. When it comes to refrigeration, nuts seem to be the subject of some controversy. • Well, sometimes it isn't so much a choice, like when your reefer dies and you're in the middle of paradise - very warm paradise. You usually just dump the entire contents into boiling water and cook for a few minutes. Summer Sausage and Prosciutto are two other popular types of meat that don’t require refrigeration and provide high fat and protein for long days on the trail. They fare best in the pantry, away from potatoes. Certain types of cheese fare especially well outside of refrigeration. On the off chance there is time between cases, its usually a greasy, expensive meal from the cafeteria. Meat that is solely smoked still requires refrigeration, or it will spoil. In fact, many meals that need no refrigeration are both completely yummy and body-friendly, not to mention easy to make. Many nutritious treats often require refrigeration or add ons that can weigh down your purse or backpack. These foods store just fine (and sometimes even better) at room temperature. Why would you even consider such a thing? Smoking meat imparts flavor unattainable via other cooking techniques and does aid in meat preservation. Related: Gorgeous kitchen countertop storage ideas that blend function and design. It can last a long time without refrigeration. You still need to prepare food carefully before your picnic to ensure food safety. There’s obviously more foods we could name that you can eat on a camping trip without the need of a refrigerator. They might not be very healthy but it saves a lot of effort if you want a cooked breakfast.