There are a few reasons why you should not store some foods in the refrigerator.
The cold temperature can damage the food’s flavour and texture. This is especially true for fruits and vegetables, which can become mealy and lose their flavour when stored in the fridge.
The cold temperature can also cause some foods to lose their nutrients. For example, vitamin C is more easily destroyed by cold temperatures, so storing fruits and vegetables in the fridge can reduce their vitamin C content.
Some foods can actually produce harmful bacteria when stored in the fridge. This is the case for honey, which can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. These spores can produce a toxin that can cause botulism, a serious illness.
Melons, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, should be stored at room temperature until they are ripe. Once they are ripe, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Bananas produce ethylene gas as they ripen, which can speed up the ripening process of other fruits. If you want to keep your bananas from ripening too quickly, store them in a cool, dark place away from other fruits.
Honey does not need to be refrigerated and can actually crystallise in the cold. Store honey in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years.
Cooked eggs need not be stored in the refrigerator immediately. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Refrigerating coffee can make it lose its flavour.
Most oils, such as olive oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil, do not need to be refrigerated. They can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years.
Fresh herbs, such as basil, rosemary, and thyme, should be stored in a glass of water on the countertop. They can also be stored in the refrigerator, but they will lose their flavour more quickly.
Tomatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator. The cold temperature can make them lose their flavour and texture. Store tomatoes at room temperature until they are ripe, then refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
Unripe avocados should not be refrigerated. The cold temperature can prevent them from ripening. Once an avocado is ripe, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.