The fridge is the best place for many foods, especially when we know we’re not going to eat groceries right away. However, there are many foods that should never be stored in the refrigerator, as low temperatures can cause changes in the composition of the food and can even accelerate the digestion process.

Sometimes almost all food supplies end up in the refrigerator, as it is often thought that all food stays better in the cold than at room temperature. However, cold can negatively alter the taste and composition of certain foods.

If you are not sure which ingredients you can store in the refrigerator and which you do not, read this article. 

What foods should not be stored in the refrigerator?

Onions

The best way to store onions is to keep them in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Onions provide a favorable breeding ground for bacteria if not stored properly. Especially in the refrigerator, bacteria grow quickly. The bulbs should be kept peeled and need contact with air to be able to breathe.

Onions should only be stored in the refrigerator once they have been peeled and sliced, in which case they should be stored in an airtight box and used as soon as possible.

Tomatoes

If the tomatoes are stuffed in the refrigerator, they will soon lose their texture and taste. In the cold, the tomatoes turn floury and don’t taste much at all.

According to the National Institute of Agricultural Research, cold-preserved tomatoes contain significantly fewer useful compounds than tomatoes stored at room temperature. We recommend storing the tomatoes in a dry place at room temperature.

Potatoes

If you store the potatoes in the refrigerator, they will lose their original taste and become soft. Potatoes should always be stored unwashed in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, as moisture can increase fungal growth on the potatoes.

Coffee

Coffee should always be stored in a cool, dry place. If you store it in the refrigerator, it will lose both its smell and its characteristic taste. In addition to this, coffee easily absorbs aromas from other foods. We recommend storing the opened coffee package in an airtight container in a dark place.

Garlic

Garlic should always be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If stored in the refrigerator, garlic loses many of its health-promoting properties and spoils more quickly. When garlic is stored at room temperature, it remains usable for up to months.

Honey

Honey should always be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed jar. If honey is stored in the refrigerator, it will thicken and crystallize faster.

Avocados

Storing avocados in the refrigerator slows down the ripening of the fruit. Most of us like to eat avocados specifically ripe and soft, so keep them at room temperature. If you buy a large quantity of avocados, you can put some in the fridge and take them to room temperature for a day, then when you’re ready to eat them.

Bread

One of the most common mistakes many make is to throw a bag of bread in the refrigerator. If you put bread in the refrigerator, it will accelerate spoilage and may even lead to the development of mold. So be sure to store the bread at room temperature in a dry place if you want it to stay edible for longer.

Chocolate

Never put chocolate in the refrigerator. Chocolate loses its flavor in the refrigerator and is best stored under constant temperature conditions. In the summer heat, the chocolate can be put in the refrigerator if it feels like it is melting at room temperature.

Pineapple

Storing pineapple in the refrigerator prevents the fruit from ripening and fades its wonderfully tropical flavor. When the fruit is stored in the cold, the enzymes that cause it to ripen are destroyed, and at the same time the sweet taste of pineapple disappears.

Pasta and cereals

Pasta and cereals should be stored in a cool, dry place – never in the refrigerator. Too low a temperature will lead to changes in the composition and taste of these foods.