When it comes to keeping food fresh, many people tend to store everything in the fridge. But while refrigeration can be a great way to keep some foods fresh for longer, not all foods fare well in colder temperatures.

In fact, storing certain foods in the fridge can actually do more harm than good. Here are six foods you should never store in your fridge.

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are best stored at room temperature. When they’re stored in the fridge, their texture changes and they can become mushy and flavorless.

This is because tomatoes are sensitive to cold temperatures and lose their flavor and aroma when refrigerated. Instead, store them on the counter, stem-side down, away from direct sunlight.

2. Bananas

Like tomatoes, bananas don’t do well in the fridge. Refrigerating them actually inhibits their ripening process and can cause the skin to turn black. If you buy unripe bananas, leave them on the counter until they ripen.

Once they’re ripe, you can store them in the fridge to keep them fresh for a few days.

3. Potatoes

While potatoes prefer cool temperatures, storing them in the fridge can actually cause their starches to convert into sugar, which can affect their taste and texture when cooked.

Instead, store potatoes in a cool, dry place (around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit) like a pantry or a cellar. If you don’t have a cool place to store them, a dark kitchen cabinet will also work.

4. Onions

Similar to potatoes, onions prefer a cool, dry environment and can become soft and moldy when stored in the fridge. Plus, the moisture in the fridge can cause their flavor to become less potent.

Instead, store onions in a cool, dry place like a pantry or a cellar. An onion holder is a great way to keep them organized and ventilated.

5. Avocados

Avocados are best kept at room temperature until they are ripe, at which point they can be stored in the fridge to slow down the ripening process.

However, storing unripe avocados in the fridge can prevent them from ever ripening, as the cold temperatures can halt the process altogether. If you have ripe avocados that you want to keep for a few more days, store them in the fridge to slow down spoilage.

6. Bread

While some people prefer to store bread in the fridge to keep it fresh longer, this can actually dry it out and cause it to go stale faster. Instead, store bread in a cool, dry place like a bread box or a pantry.

If you want to keep bread fresh for longer, consider freezing it. You can slice it and then put it in the toaster straight from the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast.

Conclusion

Storing food properly can help you avoid waste and save money. While refrigerating some foods is necessary to keep them fresh, others should be kept at room temperature to maintain their flavor and texture.

By knowing which foods to store where, you can help your food last longer and make the most of what you buy.