20 Foods Never to Put in the Fridge

Foods That Should Not Be Stored in the Refrigerator

When we go grocery shopping, it takes both time and money. So, it’s natural for anyone to hope that the groceries we buy can be utilized well and not wasted, staying fresh for as long as possible. That’s why many people tend to put their groceries directly into the refrigerator, which maintains a consistently cold temperature, as opposed to keeping them at room temperature. However, there are certain types of food that, when stored in the refrigerator, actually result in decreased nutritional value and shortened shelf life. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Cucumbers and Carrots

It might seem natural to put cucumbers and carrots in the refrigerator, but cold temperatures accelerate cucumber decay, leading to the appearance of white mold on the skin. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place. Carrots should also be stored in a dark place without direct sunlight for the same reason.

Bell peppers and chili peppers

When bell peppers are stored in the refrigerator, their colors (red, yellow, orange, green) become paler. The same goes for chili peppers. Bell peppers and chili peppers should be stored in a cool and dry place.

Potatoes

Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Cold temperatures can cause starch to convert into sugar more easily. When buying potatoes, it’s preferable to store them in a well-ventilated cardboard box, unwashed, rather than in plastic or paper bags.

Onions

Storing onions in the refrigerator can promote the growth of mold and cause them to spoil more quickly compared to when stored at room temperature. Onions tend to last longer when exposed to the air, so it’s best to remove them from plastic bags and store them at room temperature. However, peeled onions can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Garlic

Storing garlic in the refrigerator can cause it to sprout and develop mold, while also making it lose moisture and turn rubbery. Despite appearing unchanged on the outside, once you peel the garlic after refrigeration, it may be unusable and end up in the trash without being used.

Ketchup

Ketchup contains acids that inhibit bacterial growth, as well as preservatives for long-term storage. It can be kept at room temperature for over a year without any issues. Even if you leave ketchup at room temperature for several days after opening the lid, there won’t be significant changes. However, for the sake of your health, it’s better to consume it in moderation.

Pickles

One common item easily found in refrigerators is pickles. Pickles were originally made as a preservation method before the era of refrigeration, so there is no need to keep them in the refrigerator. Often, when we order pizza or chicken delivery and receive pickles with it, we tend to put them in the fridge. If you want to save some space in your refrigerator, it’s better to keep pickles outside.

Peanut butter

While jams can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature without significant changes in texture, peanut butter and chocolate spreads (such as Nutella) become hard and dry when refrigerated, making it difficult to spread them on bread. It’s better to keep them at room temperature or in a cool pantry.

Watermelon and melon

When stored at room temperature, watermelon and melon promote the regeneration of damaged cells and maintain their antioxidant beta-carotene content, which helps prevent aging. However, once they are cut, they should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Kiwi, apricot, mango, plum, peach, tomato

As these fruits ripen, their flavors and aromas become more pronounced. Storing them in the refrigerator halts the ripening process and can cause the fruit to lose its taste and texture quickly due to the cold temperature breaking down the cell membranes. Similar to fruits, even vegetables like tomatoes should be stored at room temperature for the same reason.

Bananas

Most bananas we buy are not fully ripe. Cold temperatures slow down the ripening process of bananas. Moreover, keeping them outside the refrigerator is also beneficial for preserving their nutrients.

By following appropriate storage methods for different food ingredients, we can preserve their freshness and nutrients, contributing to a healthy dining experience. I hope these tips help you make the most of your refrigerator.