Many of us are in the habit of putting all our fruits and vegetables in the fridge as soon as we come back from the grocery store. However, not all fruits and vegetables thrive in cold temperatures.

Some need to be kept at room temperature to stay fresh and flavorful, while others can develop a strange texture or lose their natural sweetness when exposed to cold temperatures.

Fruits that Don’t Belong in the Fridge

If you want to keep your fruits fresh and delicious, avoid storing these fruits in the fridge:.

Bananas

Keep bananas away from the fridge because they don’t like the cold temperature. When exposed to cold temperatures, bananas turn brown and mushy as the enzymes that cause ripening are disrupted.

Instead, keep bananas at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to keep them fresh and ripe for longer.

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits should not be kept in the fridge unless they are cut open. When stored in the fridge, citrus fruits lose their natural sweetness and flavor.

Instead, keep them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to keep them fresh and juicy for longer.

Mangoes

Mangoes should not be kept in the fridge unless they are fully ripe. When stored in the fridge, mangoes stop ripening and can become dry and flavorless.

Instead, keep unripe mangoes at room temperature to allow them to ripen naturally and keep ripe mangoes at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Pineapples

Pineapples should not be kept in the fridge unless they are cut open. When stored in the fridge, pineapples can become dry and lose their natural sweetness.

Instead, keep them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to keep them fresh and juicy for longer.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes should not be kept in the fridge unless they are fully ripe and you plan to use them soon. When stored in the fridge, tomatoes lose their natural sweetness and texture.

Instead, keep them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight until they are fully ripe. Once ripe, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Veggies that Don’t Belong in the Fridge

If you want to keep your veggies fresh and flavorful, avoid storing these vegetables in the fridge:.

Avocados

Avocados should not be kept in the fridge unless they are ripe and you plan to use them soon. When stored in the fridge, avocados stop ripening and can become dry and flavorless.

Instead, keep unripe avocados at room temperature to allow them to ripen naturally and refrigerate ripe avocados for up to 3 days.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers should not be kept in the fridge unless you plan to use them within a day or two. When stored in the fridge, cucumbers can become soggy and lose their crunch. Instead, keep them at room temperature to keep them fresh and crisp for longer.

Garlic

Garlic should not be kept in the fridge because the moisture can cause it to sprout and become soft. Instead, store garlic in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep it fresh and flavorful for longer.

Onions

Onions should not be kept in the fridge because the moisture can cause them to become soft and moldy. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep them fresh and flavorful for longer.

Potatoes

Potatoes should not be kept in the fridge because the cold temperature can cause the starch to turn into sugar, which can affect their taste and texture.

Instead, store potatoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep them fresh and flavorful for longer.

Conclusion

Now that you know which fruits and vegetables don’t belong in the fridge, you can keep them fresh and flavorful for longer by storing them at the right temperature.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your favorite fruits and veggies at their best and reduce waste by preventing spoilage.