8 Foods You Should Not Refrigerate

Are you storing your produce correctly? Here are 8 farmers’ markets finds that should stay out of the fridge.
tomato

174559050

Fresh Tomato

Summer is prime time for produce. While you may know how to cook and eat these seasonal goodies, are you storing them correctly? Here are 8 farmers’ markets finds that should stay out of the fridge.

Tomatoes

The chill of the icebox makes tomatoes dull and mealy. Store on the counter (under-ripe ones can go on the windowsill). If they begin to get too ripe, it’s time to make tomato jam or roasted tomato sauce.

Melon

Keep whole melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew on the counter for best flavor. USDA research found that storage at room temp may even help keep the antioxidants better intact. Once cut, store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Potatoes

Cold temps will break down the starches in potatoes, making them unpleasantly sweet and gritty. Cool and dry darkness is a spud’s best bud.

Onions

Uncut onions are happy out of the cold. The humidity of the refrigerator makes them moldy and mushy. Avoid direct sunlight and once cut open, place in a resealable bag in the vegetable drawer.

Garlic

Preserve the powerful flavor of garlic by storing in a cool, dry and ventilated container. Once the head has been broken open, use the cloves within 10 days.

Apples

Freshly picked apples will do well (and look pretty) on your counter. If they aren’t eaten after a week or two, make them last a little bit longer by then chilling them in the fridge.

Berries

Fresh berries from your local farm taste amazing at room temperature so it’s the sooner the better for munching. For long-term storage keep them in the fridge. To avoid soggy or moldy berries, rinse just before eating.

Stone Fruit

Allow peaches, apricots, nectarines and plums to ripen at room temperature. If you can’t gobble ‘em up right away, place in the fruit bin of the refrigerator for a few extra days.

Next Up

Should You Refrigerate Peanut Butter?

How quickly can you make it through your jar?

8 Foods You Should Be Keeping in Your Freezer

Your freezer is for more than preserving foods — it can enhance them, too!

8 Things That Should Be On Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

Go past the everyday clean with these tips.

8 Big-Batch Recipes You Should Make for the Long Weekend

We’ve got you covered from breakfast through dessert!

7 Foods We Should Eat More of in 2023

From zero-proof drinks to convenient weeknight sheet pan recipes, here’s what dietitians hope we’ll all eat more of in 2023.

All the Foods You Should Be Pairing with Pumpkin Beer

Get the best Food Network recipe to pair with your favorite fall brew.

Which Foods Should You Keep or Toss Out After a Cookout?

After a gathering outside, consider time and temperature when figuring out what’s safe to have as leftovers.

8 Best Ground Coffees, Tested by Food Network Kitchen

We taste tested 27 brands of ground coffee to find the best blends.

8 Best Instant Coffee Brands, Tested by Food Network Kitchen

Even coffee snobs will love these instant coffee picks.

8 Best Tote Bags and Food Carriers for Potlucks and Parties

These are the best food carriers for everything from appetizers to dessert.