When we think about storing food at home, it’s usually either in the fridge, freezer, or pantry. But when it comes to fresh fruits, do you always put them in the fridge? If yes, you might be unknowingly ruining their flavour and freshness.
Many fruits lose their taste and texture when kept cold. So, instead of tossing everything into the refrigerator, you might want to leave some fruits on the counter to ripen naturally and taste their best.
Here’s a simple guide on which fruits should stay out of the fridge, and why keeping them on your kitchen counter might be the smarter choice.
Not Everything Belongs in the Fridge
While grapes and berries do well in the fridge and last longer when chilled, the same doesn’t apply to all fruits. Some fruits actually taste better and stay fresher at room temperature.
Let’s break it down.
Melons
Fruits like cantaloupe and watermelon don’t like the cold. According to Simplemost, they start to lose flavour and become soggy when kept in the refrigerator. The best way to enjoy melons is to leave them whole and uncut on the counter. Once sliced, then you can refrigerate them to keep them fresh.
Tropical Fruits
Think of mangoes, pineapples, and papayas. These fruits are grown in warm, humid regions, so the cold environment of a fridge can stop them from ripening fully. You’ll never get that sweet, juicy taste if you store them cold. Let them stay out in the open to bring out their full flavour.
And yes, bananas fall under this group too. Most people already know not to refrigerate bananas, as the peel turns black and the fruit goes mushy.
Citrus Fruits
This includes oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. Many people, myself included, tend to store citrus fruits in the bottom drawer of the fridge. While that’s not harmful, it does slow down their ripening.
Unlike other fruits like apples and pears, citrus fruits don’t ripen after being picked, so the best flavour comes when they’re left at room temperature.
Apples and Pears
Although apples and pears can last a bit longer in the fridge, they actually taste better when stored on the counter, especially if you plan to eat them soon. Their natural sweetness develops more when kept at room temperature.
Stone Fruits
Peaches, plums, nectarines, and cherries belong to this category. They have a stone or pit in the center and are best enjoyed when they are soft and juicy. According to Bon Appétit, refrigerating them causes the flesh to become mealy and tasteless. For the best juicy bite, let them ripen on the counter first.
Tomatoes
Yes, tomatoes are technically fruits! And just like others, they hate the cold. Refrigerating tomatoes makes their texture grainy and ruins the taste. Keeping them in a sunny spot on the counter helps them ripen beautifully and keeps their flavour intact.