5 Foods That Should Never Be Kept In Fridge

Refrigerator has emerged an essential appliance that can enhance the shelf life of your food. The cold atmosphere that a refrigerator offers can slow down the aging process of foods and they remain fresh for a longer period of time. However, there are some foods that should never be stored in the fridge as the cold atmosphere can damage them and may end up making people sick. Below is the list of foods that you should avoid refrigerating:

Food That Should Never Be Refrigerated

Potatoes: They should never be stored in the fridge mainly because refrigerated potatoes displayed increased levels of glucose and fructose than those kept in room temperature. Colder temperature can convert starch into sugar when potatoes are stored in refrigerator. According to a report featured in the American Cancer Society, “avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator, which can result in increased acrylamide levels during cooking.” Acrylamide levels is chemical compound discovered in specific foods that can cause potential health issues.

Bananas: When you refrigerate bananas, it can reduce the natural ripening process of the fruit causing the peel to turn black. They should be stored at room temperature. When the fruit is placed in the fridge, the metabolic procedure is stifled and even then, the peel undergoes oxidative reactions. It is also called as chilling injury that stops the ripening process causing bitter and mushy texture in the fruit. Cold temperatures restrict the enzymes required for effective ripening.

Tomatoes: We frequently store tomatoes in the fridge thinking that the cold environment will improve the shelf life. However, the atmosphere inside the fridge tend to spoil the membrane inside the fruit that can alter the taste and texture. It leads to loss of flavor and increases the consistency of water.

Recently, MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria listed foods that you should avoid keeping the refrigerator.

Basil Leaves: The vegetable displays strong sensitivity to higher temperatures available in the refrigerator. Refrigeration of the vegetable leads to rapid darkening of the leaves and wilting. The tropical herb undergoes irreversible degradation when stored in the fridge. Presence of cold temperatures and humid atmosphere in the refrigerator leads to fast decay especially if water gets trapped in the leaves.

Onions: Storing onion in the fridge is not ideal as the humid atmosphere of the appliance may convert the starches into sugar thus causing them to become prone to mold. Refrigerated onions may also get soft, mushy, and lose their natural flavour.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.