Keeping your fridge clean and well-organised is key to maintaining food freshness and ensuring your appliance runs efficiently. But, certain foods are actually worse off when kept in the fridge, especially during warmer months.
With the UK set for a spell of warm, dry weather, appliance expert Matthew Glynn from Hisense has shared a range of commonly refrigerated foods that are best kept out of the fridge, to help households reduce food waste, improve flavour, and keep their refrigerators running at optimal performance.
Modern refrigerators – especially those with smart cooling technology are designed to preserve freshness. However, incorrect food storage can lead to poor taste, texture changes, and unnecessary energy use. As temperatures are set to dramatically increase over the next week, it’s particularly important to rethink what is being stored in fridges.
Foods You Should Never Refrigerate
Tomatoes
Cold air halts the ripening process, which diminishes their natural flavour and results in a mealy texture. During warmer seasons, store tomatoes in a shaded bowl on the counter for the best taste and texture.
Potatoes
Fridge temperatures convert potato starch into sugar more quickly, altering both flavour and causing faster spoilage. In high summer heat, keep them in a cool, dry cupboard or a breathable paper bag – never in plastic.
Onions
Fridges trap moisture, which can lead onions to turn mouldy and mushy. Instead, store them in a mesh bag or open basket in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and potatoes (which cause them to spoil faster).
Garlic
Refrigeration triggers early sprouting and depletes garlic’s pungent flavour. Even in hot weather, garlic bulbs last longer at room temperature in a breathable container.
Bread
Contrary to popular belief, bread stales faster in the fridge due to a process called retrogradation. During warmer periods, store bread in a cool bread bin or freeze slices for later use instead of refrigerating.
Avocados (if not yet ripe)
Chilling an unripe avocado delays the ripening process indefinitely. Keep them at room temperature until they yield slightly to pressure, then refrigerate only if needed to extend shelf life by a couple of days.
Olive Oil
Refrigeration causes olive oil to harden and lose flavour complexity. During hotter months, store it in a cool, dark cupboard to preserve both consistency and quality.
Fresh Basil
Cold air damages basil’s delicate leaves, causing them to turn black and wilt. Basil thrives best in a jar of water at room temperature, much like fresh flowers.
Tips for keeping your fridge running efficiently in warmer weather:
As outdoor temperatures rise, your fridge works harder to maintain internal coolness. Matthew shares the following tips to keep it running efficiently:
1. Use the right compartments: the bottom shelf generally remains the coldest, making it ideal for storing raw meat and fish, while the door is often slightly warmer, perfect for storing items like condiments, which can tolerate the slight increase in temperature. Fruits and vegetables are best placed in the crisper drawers to maintain maximum freshness.
2. Keep fridges appropriately filled (but not overpacked) to maintain stable internal temperatures: Solid and liquid items hold cold temperatures better than the air does. This means that a full fridge/freezer has a higher “thermal mass,” which keeps the interior colder for longer, even if the door is opened frequently. If your freezer or fridge is relatively empty, fill the extra space with water bottles or containers. This increases the thermal mass and reduces energy usage without needing to fill it with food.
3. Be sure to clean your fridge regularly. Wipe shelves and drawers every few weeks with baking soda and water to combat bacteria and odours.
Photo by Dmitry Kharitonov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/fresh-cherry-tomatoes-stack-in-vibrant-red-33499935/
