Never store these 5 foods in your fridge even when the weather’s hot

When the weather gets warmer, people start to panic and think the best place for food storage is the fridge. But that’s not the case as it can negatively affect some foods’ taste and texture

As temperatures climb, particularly when they creep above the late 20s, many of us instinctively reach for the fridge to preserve our produce. But this isn’t always the wisest move, as refrigeration can actually have a detrimental effect on certain foods.

While keeping a bar of chocolate in the fridge during hot weather may well help it hold its shape, some items should never be stored in there, as it can completely compromise both their taste and texture. Which? revealed the five things you should never store in your fridge and offered guidance to those unsure of what’s best — and some of the recommendations may come as quite a surprise.

Cucumbers

Which? warns that “cold conditions can cause the skin to shrivel up and the inside to become soft,” which is far from ideal when you’re preparing a tuna and cucumber sandwich for lunch.

The key advice offered regarding cucumbers is to keep them “at room temperature”. However, if you’re determined to use the fridge for cucumbers ahead of a salad, there is a middle ground.

You can “refrigerate them an hour before prep for a refreshing chill without affecting their texture”. Result!

Tomatoes

Cool temperatures can adversely affect the flavour and texture of tomatoes, according to Which?, who recommend keeping them “at room temperature”. They noted: “Chilling tomatoes inhibits the activity of enzymes inside the fruit that help give it its flavours.”

Bananas

If you store your bananas in the fridge, be aware they will “go black,” making it far from the ideal solution.

Which? advised: “Keep bananas somewhere nice and cool to make them last longer.”

It’s also crucial to store bananas away from other fruits, as they can cause neighbouring produce to ripen prematurely if left together in a fruit bowl.

Bread

Storing bread in the fridge is a definite mistake, as it can “dehydrate the loaf, leaving you with stale tasting slices”.

Which? conducted its own tests and discovered that “storing bread in a cotton or plastic bag will keep it mostly soft, with just a little dryness around the edges”.

Onions

Onions should be kept well away from the fridge, as the “moisture in the fridge will turn them soft and mouldy”.

Instead, opt for somewhere “cool and dry” and “keep sliced onions in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer”.

In the comments section, one reader queried: “Curious to know who routinely stores bananas and bread in the fridge?”

Others noted that in certain locations, room temperature is “literally 30 degrees right now,” leaving many unsure of the best place to keep their food. A cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight is worth considering as an alternative.

Will you be trying these tips? Let us know in the comments….