As temperatures exceed 20°C, many people instinctively store food in the fridge to keep it cool. However, consumer group Which? has warned that refrigeration can ruin the taste and texture of five common staple foods. Below, they explain why these items should be kept at room temperature and offer practical storage tips.
Cucumbers
According to Which?, cold conditions cause cucumber skin to shrivel and the inside to become soft. They recommend storing cucumbers at room temperature. If you want a chilled cucumber for a salad, you can refrigerate it for an hour before preparation to achieve a refreshing chill without affecting its texture.
Tomatoes
Which? advises keeping tomatoes at room temperature because chilling inhibits the enzymes that give tomatoes their flavour. Cold temperatures can damage both texture and taste, making refrigeration a poor choice for this fruit.
Bananas
Bananas stored in the fridge will turn black, Which? warns. Instead, keep bananas in a cool place to extend their shelf life. It is also important to separate bananas from other fruits, as they release ethylene gas that causes neighbouring produce to ripen too quickly.
Bread
Refrigeration dehydrates bread, leaving it stale. Which? tests found that storing bread in a cotton or plastic bag keeps it mostly soft with only slight dryness around the edges. A cool, dry cupboard is a better option than the fridge.
Onions
Moisture in the fridge makes onions soft and mouldy, Which? states. They recommend storing onions in a cool, dry place. Sliced onions should be kept in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer.
One reader commented: "Curious to know who routinely stores bananas and bread in the fridge?" Others noted that in some areas, room temperature can reach 30°C, making it challenging to find suitable storage. A cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight is a good alternative.
