One surprising vegetable you shouldn't actually put in the fridge

Directly above shot of vegetables and fruits on table
-Credit:Getty Images/500px Prime


When it comes to storing veggies, the fridge is often our go-to. It's seen as the best way to keep fresh produce crisp and long-lasting—or so we believe.

However, a few vegetables defy this logic, and many of us have been doing more harm than good by leaving them in the cold, leading to wasted food and diminished flavour. The offender? Onions.

While onions are a staple in most kitchens, they don't fare well in the cool, humid environment of your refrigerator. Here's why - the moisture in your fridge can cause onions to soften, become mushy, or even develop mould., reports Good Housekeeping.

Vegetables on top of a table
Tomatoes, avocados, bread and cake are some things lots of people instinctively leave in the fridge -Credit:PA

Cold temperatures can also lead to premature sprouting, reducing their shelf life and making them less enjoyable to eat. To keep onions fresh and full of flavour, they're best stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area—like a pantry or cupboard.

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Avoid keeping them in plastic bags or containers, as this can trap moisture and speed up spoilage. Instead, choose a breathable bag or a basket that allows air to circulate freely.

The fridge can still be a suitable option if you've cut an onion in half and don't plan to use the rest immediately. For that, wrap the cut onion tightly in cling film or place it in an airtight container to prevent its strong smell from spreading to other foods.

Other foods are also surprisingly better off kept at room temperature. Tomatoes, for instance, lose their flavour if they're too cold, but shouldn't be kept under direct sunlight either. For optimal taste, store them in a naturally cool, well-ventilated area.

Avocados have a brief window between being too hard and overly soft. If you're not planning to eat them immediately, the fridge is the best place. However, if you want to speed up the ripening process, leave them out next to a banana.

Fruits and vegetables
Avocadoes can go from green to ripe when you least expect it - learn how to speed up or slow down the process -Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto

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Contrary to popular belief, bread doesn't last longer in the fridge. In fact, cold temperatures accelerate starch crystallisation, causing loaves to stale quicker. The solution? Store them in an airtight bag or wrap at room temperature.

Got leftover cake? Leave it out unless it's made with real cream cheese filling or icing. Also, avoid storing hot food in the fridge as it can raise the appliance's temperature, encouraging bacterial growth. Lastly, garlic bulbs can be refrigerated, but they also do well in a cool, dry place outside.

Once peeled or chopped, keep the cloves in an airtight container in the fridge to stop unwanted smells from spreading.