When it comes to keeping your fruits and veggies fresh, your first instinct might be to toss them all in the fridge. But did you know some produce loses its flavor, texture, or nutritional value when stored in the cold?
That's right — refrigeration isn't always the answer! Certain fruits and vegetables do better when left out on the counter; however, there are always exceptions! Let's look into which produce should stay out of the fridge and whether or not the latest fridge tech can break the standard!
1. Tomatoes
If you've ever bitten into a tomato that's lost its flavor or turned mealy, chances are it spent too much time in the fridge. Tomatoes thrive at room temperature, where they can ripen naturally and develop that rich, juicy flavor you crave. So, instead of throwing them in the fridge, it's best to leave them on the counter, away from direct sunlight, to help maintain their texture and taste (but they always taste best fresh & soon after picking!).
Pro Tip:
If your refrigerator has a dual cooling system or smart humidity-controlled drawer, you can safely store fully ripe tomatoes in the fridge for up to three days (especially at peak ripeness!). But make sure to bring them back to room temp before eating!
2. Bananas
Bananas are one of those fruits that don't get along with cold temperatures — the cold slows down their ripening process, causing the peel to turn brown while the inside remains under-ripe! This can leave you with a banana that looks less than appealing and doesn't taste right, either.
Bananas are best kept at room temperature, preferably on a banana hook or in a cool, dry spot away from other fruits that produce ethylene gas (like apples) to reduce bruising and prevent them from ripening too quickly!
Pro Tip:
If you have a refrigerator with a customizable temperature zone, like a smart fridge with adjustable settings, you can store bananas that are already fully ripe for a short period (about 1 to 2 days) to extend their freshness.
3. Avocados
Another fruit that doesn't take kindly to the cold is avocados since refrigeration can cause them to become hard and take longer to soften, which disrupts their natural ripening process! Instead, they should be kept at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
But if you want to speed up the ripening process, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple, as these fruits release ethylene gas, encouraging ripening!
Pro Tip:
If your refrigerator has a smart ripening drawer or an advanced humidity control system, you can store fully ripe avocados in the fridge to extend their freshness by three to five days!
4. Stone Fruits (Peaches, Plums, Nectarines)
No doubt you know that stone fruits, like peaches, plums, and nectarines, are best enjoyed when juicy and full of flavor — but refrigeration can sabotage that! When stored in the fridge before they're fully ripe, these fruits can become mealy and lose their natural sweetness.
So, to help them ripen evenly, place stone fruits in a single layer on the counter, away from direct sunlight. This allows them to soften naturally while developing their full flavor!
Pro Tip:
If your refrigerator has a dual cooling system, this is your best bet for keeping fully ripe stone fruits fresh for up to a week.
5. Potatoes
Did you know that potatoes are picky about where they are stored? If you stick them in the fridge, you'll end up with spuds that taste oddly sweet and cook with a gritty texture — yuck! That's because when potatoes are in colder temperatures, the starch turns into sugar and ruins everything.
These root vegetables should be kept from the fridge at all costs and stick to cool, dark places around 45 – 50 °F, like your pantry or cellar. This way they can stay fresh and firm without sprouting or turning green. But for the best results, keep them in a paper or mesh bag in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to help maintain their texture and flavor!
Pro Tip:
If stored in these ideal conditions, potatoes can last several weeks to a few months. Regularly check on them to remove any signs of sprouting or softening, which will help the rest of your potatoes stay fresh.
6. Onions
If you've ever pulled out a slimy, mushy onion from your fridge, you're not alone. Despite your instinct (or generational advice) to put them in the fridge, onions don't do well with the cold and moisture in the fridge — it can quickly lead to a moldy mess in no time! That's why it's essential to store them in a cool, dry spot, preferably in a mesh bag or basket, to allow air to circulate freely and prevent moisture buildup (it keeps the mold and softness at bay!).
But once you cut an onion, the unused portion should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap (or in an airtight container or resealable bag) and refrigerated to prevent bacteria growth. These cut onions can last in the fridge for 7 to 10 days, but remember to keep them separate from other produce so they don't transfer their strong smell or flavor to nearby foods!
Pro Tip:
While most onions should be stored outside the fridge, certain types, like sweet onions, can be stored in the refrigerator if your fridge has a humidity-controlled drawer set to a low humidity level!
7. Garlic
Garlic is a kitchen essential, but storing it in the fridge can cause more harm than good. When exposed to cold and moisture, garlic is prone to sprouting, leading to a bitter taste and a less potent flavor.
The best way to store garlic is in a breathable container, such as a mesh bag or a garlic keeper for air circulation, and to be kept in a dark, dry spot like the pantry or cupboard to prevent sprouting. When stored properly, whole garlic bulbs can last up to several months!
Pro Tip:
Peeled garlic cloves or chopped garlic can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week if stored in a low-humidity crisper drawer. For the best flavor, store them in a sealed container to minimize exposure to moisture and air.
Fresh Thinking
As you can see, knowing which fruits and veggies should steer clear of the fridge can make all the difference in preserving their flavor, texture, and nutritional value. But if you have the right fridge technology, there are always exceptions to be made!
Of course, if your current fridge doesn't have the features to match your produce needs, it might be time for an upgrade! Stop by Pieratt's or give us a call to explore refrigerators designed to keep all your fruits and veggies in peak condition.