It seems logical: you put something in the fridge and it lasts longer, right? Not quite. Although your intentions may be good, storing certain foods in the refrigerator can spoil their taste and texture.
Next time you're tempted to fill your crisper drawers, check out this guide to help your food last longer and taste better. Keep in mind that once fruits and vegetables are cut, they must be stored in clean, covered containers at 4ºC or below.
Foods that you should never put in the fridge
Tomatoes
When tomatoes are exposed to cold air, their chemical composition changes. This can cause a less vibrant and less pleasant taste to your favorite lunch salad. Tomatoes store best on your countertop because storing them in the refrigerator will speed up the chemical pathways that make the tomato taste off. If they are not ripe, you can store them near the window to ripen.
Temperatures below 11ºC reduce the levels of volatile compounds (the chemicals responsible for aroma and flavor) in tomatoes, according to an October 2016 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
Onions
Whole, unpeeled and raw onions should not be stored in the refrigerator – this is a case where storing produce in the refrigerator can cause them to spoil sooner.
When exposed to cold temperatures, the starches in the onions turn into sugars , causing the onions to become mushy or soggy faster. Ideally, they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light, such as a closet or drawer.
Melons
You'll get even more nutrition from whole, uncut melons when you store them on the counter. The cold air in the refrigerator can slow down its antioxidant growth.
Beta-carotene and lycopene are powerful antioxidants linked to numerous health benefits, such as cancer prevention and skin health. These antioxidant levels did not show a significant change when the watermelons were stored at cooler temperatures.
Coffee
Your favorite coffee, ground or not, should be left out of the refrigerator for the best flavor.
Moisture can cause condensation to build up, which is not good for the taste of coffee grounds or beans. Coffee should be stored in your pantry for the best flavor.
Basil
Once cut, herbs like basil keep best at room temperature. Refrigerating the cut basil will cause the brittle leaves to darken and discolor. The reaction that occurs, called oxidation , is what turns fruits and vegetables brown. An enzyme called polyphenol oxidase contained in cells is exposed and reacts with oxygen in the air.
For best storage, place the basil stalks in a tall jar filled with water and keep them out of the sun.
Potatoes
As with tomatoes, the chemical composition of potatoes alters when they are placed in the refrigerator.
Low temperatures convert starch to sugar. Not only will it produce a change in texture, making it gritty, but it will make those potatoes a little worse for someone trying to be mindful of their blood sugar. A smaller serving could cause a higher spike in blood sugar.
Storing them in the refrigerator can also lead to the formation of a potentially dangerous chemical when cooking. The breakdown of sugars in potatoes can lead to the formation of a chemical called acrylamide when cooked at high temperatures. Acrylamide has been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies, and there is some concern that, at high levels, it could have the same effect in humans.
Cucumbers
Ever notice that your cucumbers look less than desirable after a few days in the fridge? This occurs due to damage from cold air. Refrigerating cucumbers for more than three days can lead to 'cold injury' due to their high water content. This can lead to poor spots, water-soaked areas, and deterioration.
It is best to store cucumbers at room temperature in a well-ventilated area.
Bananas
If you accidentally put the nutritious bananas in your fridge while removing the rest of the groceries from your grocery bag, prepare for a nasty sight, but don't throw them away. The bananas will turn brown in the refrigerator, but they will still taste good.
Bananas release a gas that naturally ripens other fruits, so be aware of where you store them. Whether in or out of the fridge, you prefer to keep bananas away from other fruits unless you want the fruit to ripen more quickly.
Bread
We understand that if you can't eat a whole loaf of bread in a few days, consider putting it in the fridge to make it last longer. But it's best to plan how much you will eat so you can create better storage strategies.
Bread with natural ingredients can last for a few days on the counter, but putting it in the fridge dries out the bread. So if you have more bread than you are going to eat in a couple of days, you should put it in the freezer .
Garlic
It is normally planted in the fall, as it is a cold weather food and therefore sprouts at a faster rate when stored in a cold environment.
Whole, fresh garlic bulbs will last for months when stored at around 15ºC, but generally only last a few weeks when put in the refrigerator. If you plan to use your garlic long-term, make sure it is as fresh as possible at the time of purchase, looking for firm cloves, without sprouts or black spots.
