When it comes to food safety, quality, and flavor, refrigeration is key for storing many foods—but not all. While some ingredients absolutely must be stored in the fridge, like raw meat, others are better left out when it comes to keeping them fresh. Fresh produce may seem like a surefire bet for refrigeration, but the combination of humidity and chill can do more harm to your fruits and veggies than good. Here are nine fruits and vegetables that you shouldn’t store in the refrigerator, and where you should be keeping them instead.
Fruits That Last Longer Without Refrigeration
Tomatoes
Whether you opt for small cherry tomatoes or a hefty heirloom, it’s best to store your tomatoes on the counter and out of direct sunlight. Refrigerating your tomatoes can make them mealy and mute their rich, juicy flavor.
Bananas
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, storing your bananas on the counter (bonus points if it’s in a pretty fruit bowl) is better than in the fridge, since cold temperatures cause the skin to turn black and stop the ripening process prematurely. Instead, keep them at room temperature—and if they get too mushy, you can always make banana bread.
Avocados
It’s no secret that avocados seem to turn from rock solid to mushy and brown within 15 minutes, no matter how carefully you try to ripen them. If you want an avocado to ripen properly, leave it uncut on the counter; once cut, store it in the fridge. To keep your avocado as fresh as possible in the fridge, store it with the pit intact and squeeze a bit of lime juice over it to prevent browning.
Apples
Apples can last for months in the fridge, but they can also stay safely on the counter for one to two weeks before you need to chill them.
Stone Fruits
Summer means stone fruit season, but don’t store your freshly-picked farmers' market finds in the fridge. Peaches, plums, and cherries can become mealy and flavorless if they are chilled before they are fully ripe, so be sure to leave them out on the counter instead. If they get a little too ripe, you can always whip up a peach cobbler or cherry pie for your next summer gathering.
Vegetables That Last Longer Without Refrigeration
Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
It’s best to store all varieties of potatoes—including sweet potatoes—in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, since the starch in potatoes can turn to sugar at cold temperatures. In addition to excessive cold encouraging mold growth, refrigerating potatoes may create a sweet taste and gritty texture.
Onions and Garlic
Humidity from the refrigerator can soften onions and garlic, leaving them prone to molding, so it’s best to store them in a cool, dry pantry until it’s time to make a decadent pasta dish or pico de gallo. Just be sure to store the two veggies separately from potatoes, as potatoes can cause onions to spoil faster. Winter Squash
Winter veggies, including butternut and acorn squash, thrive in a cool, dry environment—not in the fridge. Since the fridge can alter the squash’s texture and flavor, it’s best to store them on the counter or in the pantry.
Basil
While it may seem a bit counterintuitive not to refrigerate your greens, cold temperatures can damage basil leaves. Storing the herb in the fridge can cause it to wilt and turn black much faster than it would at room temperature. Plus, a basil plant is a great way to add a pop of color and delicious aroma to your kitchen while ensuring you always have fresh basil on hand.
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