Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Fruits You Should Never Refrigerate

Introducing a fresh perspective on fruit storage: while it's common practice to trust the refrigerator as the ultimate haven for prolonging the lifespan of produce, certain fruits actually fare better outside its chilly confines. Uncover the unexpected truth as we explore four fruit favorites that thrive when kept away from the crisp, cool confines of the fridge.

Administrator

21 July, 2024

According to Food.ndtv.com (India), we often mistakenly believe that preserving fruits is similar to preserving vegetables, and that they always need to be frozen or chilled. This website has listed several types of fruits that should not be stored in the refrigerator to prevent a loss of nutritional value and freshness.

1Bananas

As a tropical fruit, bananas should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably at room temperature rather than in the fridge. When stored in the refrigerator, bananas tend to turn black, rot, and lose their flavor and nutritional value. The best way to store bananas is to keep them at room temperature and consume them gradually.

Bananas should be stored in a cool, dry place

2Tomatoes

Storing tomatoes in the refrigerator can cause their skins to wrinkle, and their flesh to break down and become watery when cut. The best way to store tomatoes is at room temperature (around 25 degrees Celsius), in a well-ventilated area. Avoid stacking tomatoes on top of each other to prevent crushing, and only buy enough for immediate consumption, as they don’t keep well for extended periods.

Refrigerating tomatoes can cause their skins to wrinkle

3Watermelons

Whole watermelons should not be refrigerated, as this will reduce the sweetness of this fruit. Fresh, whole watermelons can be stored at room temperature for over half a month, so there’s no need to worry; just keep them out until you’re ready to eat. However, once cut, watermelons should be refrigerated and wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent bacterial contamination.

Wrap cut watermelons in plastic wrap and store in the fridge

4Avocados

For unripe avocados, storing them in the refrigerator will slow down the ripening process, resulting in dry, flavorless fruit. Instead, place unripe avocados in a paper bag and store them in a well-ventilated area, or to speed up the ripening process, put them in a closed container and monitor the time to prevent over-ripening and spoilage.

For ripe avocados, refrigeration is only recommended for 2-3 days, and even then, they should not be placed directly in the fridge, as this will cause them to turn black and lose moisture.

Only store ripe avocados in the fridge for 2-3 days

5Tips for Storing Fruits in the Refrigerator

Do not wash fruits before storing them in the refrigerator, as they can become mushy and spoil if not used immediately.
Place fresh fruits in paper bags, wrap them, or store them in containers to prevent oxidation and shield them from substances in the fridge that might affect their quality and flavor.

Tips for storing fruits in the refrigerator

Fruits are at their best when they retain their natural flavor and nutritional value, so it’s important to know how to store them properly. Hopefully, this information will be useful to you.

Frequently asked questions

Some fruits continue to ripen after being picked and can produce ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Refrigerating these fruits can slow down their ripening and cause them to rot or develop an unpleasant taste and texture.

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit should not be refrigerated as they can become dry and lose their flavor. Melons, such as watermelons, honeydew, and cantaloupe, can develop an unpleasant texture and taste when chilled. Bananas, mangoes, and pineapples also fall into this category as they can turn black and become mushy when refrigerated.

These fruits are best stored at room temperature, in a well-ventilated area, and out of direct sunlight. For example, citrus fruits can be stored in a bowl on a countertop, while bananas can be hung on a banana tree or stored in a fruit basket.

Storing fruits at room temperature can help retain their flavor, texture, and nutritional value. It also allows the fruits to continue ripening, providing a natural source of sweetness and making them more digestible.

Yes, there are a few exceptions. Ripe avocados can be refrigerated to slow down their ripening process and extend their shelf life. Additionally, while whole watermelons should not be refrigerated, cut or sliced watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days without any negative effects.