10 Foods You Should Not Refrigerate

Which food is allowed in the refrigerator – and which not? There is often disagreement on this issue. These 10 foods are better not to be refrigerated.

1. Tomatoes

Many people put tomatoes in the refrigerator to make them last longer. In fact, however, the aromatic vegetables lose their taste in them. This is because the cold air prevents the tomato from ripening and changes its texture. The flesh becomes floury. It is therefore better to store tomatoes in a basket at room temperature.

2. Avocado

Even the avocado ripens at best at room temperature. The refrigerator prevents this process. The only exception: If you buy the berry – the avocado is considered a fruit, not a vegetable – already ripe, you can put it in the fridge. Or it should simply be eaten directly.

3. Honey

Do you want honey in the refrigerator or not? Better not! In the refrigerator the honey begins to crystallize very quickly. However, this can be remedied by gently warming it up. Nevertheless: Even at room temperature, the delicious bee nectar will keep for quite a long time if it remains firmly closed.

4. Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic have a rather intense smell: that alone could be reason enough not to put them in the refrigerator. Another reason is that onions and garlic are exposed to moisture in the refrigerator, which they cannot tolerate. Garlic starts to germinate, becomes rubbery and mouldy. And onions also spoil faster. Take care not to store onions and garlic together with potatoes, as this accelerates the ripening process unfavorably.

5. Basil

Basil is very delicate – if you put the herbs in the refrigerator, they will start to wilt and lose their flavour. Treat basil like a beautiful flower and nothing can happen.

6. Coffee

Coffee lasts longer if it is stored in the refrigerator? You thought wrong! The aroma of the popular hot drink is lost and it is not unusual for it to absorb unpleasant odors. Caffeine lovers know that it is best to store coffee in a dry, dark place to keep it fresh for a long time. This is the only way to preserve the taste.

7. Bananas

Ever put bananas in the fridge? Then you’ve probably noticed the brown stains that appear shortly on the peel. The banana gets a cold shock in the refrigerator, but the inside remains edible as far as possible.

8. Bread

Does bread belong in the bread box or in the refrigerator? A hotly discussed topic. The clear answer is: In the refrigerator, bread dries out within a very short time. It therefore belongs in a bread basket that is cleaned regularly. If cut, bread consumes within four days. Otherwise put it in the freezer.

9. Olive oil

Olive oil should be stored dark and cool, but not in the refrigerator. Why? Because the Mediterranean oil condenses in it and acquires a hard, almost buttery consistency. And after all, nobody wants that.

10. Citrus fruits

There is a good reason why citrus fruits grow in warm countries. They do not like cold! In the refrigerator, lemons, oranges, tangerines or limes lose aroma and vitamins.