15 Foods You Are Probably Storing Wrong (And How To Fix It)

You might be storing some of your favorite foods incorrectly without even realizing it. Simple storage mistakes, like refrigerating tomatoes or keeping nuts at room temperature, can impact their flavor, texture, and shelf life. In this list, we’ll uncover 15 foods you’re probably storing wrong—and how you can fix them to keep them fresher and longer!

Tomatoes

Storing tomatoes in the fridge might seem logical, but it actually dulls their flavor and affects their texture. Instead, keep them in a dark spot at room temperature to preserve their taste and juiciness.

Potatoes

Potatoes stored in the fridge can develop an unpleasant sweet taste due to starch turning into sugar. To maintain their ideal texture and flavor, keep them in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard.

Onions

Onions need air circulation to stay fresh, so placing them in a plastic bag is a no-go. Store them in a cool, dry place in a mesh bag or a well-ventilated basket.

Bread

The fridge causes bread to go stale faster due to moisture loss. Keep bread in the freezer for long-term storage and take out slices as needed. Otherwise, a bread box or sealed bag on the counter works well.

Garlic

Garlic prefers a dry, dark spot, not the fridge. The cool environment can cause it to sprout early. The best way to store it is in a breathable container in a pantry or cupboard.

Avocados

Unripe avocados should be left on the counter until they ripen. Once they’re ready to eat, they should be moved to the fridge to prolong their freshness for a few days.

Honey

Honey lasts practically forever at room temperature, but storing it in the fridge will cause it to crystallize. A pantry shelf is the best place to keep honey flowing smoothly.

Bananas

Bananas are happiest on the counter. Cold temperatures can cause the peel to turn black and interfere with ripening. However, if you have overripe bananas, freezing them is perfect for future smoothies or banana bread.

Cucumbers

While it’s tempting to throw cucumbers in the fridge, they’re actually better off on the counter. The cold can cause them to become mushy. Keep them in a cool spot for the crispest texture.

Coffee Beans

Coffee beans can be stored in the freezer to preserve freshness for a longer period if kept in an airtight container. However, for the best flavor, use coffee within a few weeks of roasting and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Herbs

Fresh herbs can wilt quickly in the fridge if not stored properly. For soft herbs like cilantro or parsley, treat them like flowers—keep the stems in water and cover the leaves with a plastic bag in the fridge. For hardy herbs like rosemary, wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel.

Apples

Apples left on the counter ripen quickly and lose their crunch. To keep them fresh and crispy, store them in the fridge in the crisper drawer.

Cheese

Don’t leave cheese wrapped in plastic for too long, as it can trap moisture and encourage mold. Instead, wrap it in wax or parchment paper and then place it in a loose plastic bag or container for proper airflow before placing them in the refrigerator.

Nuts

Nuts can go rancid if kept at room temperature for too long. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Berries

Moisture is the enemy of fresh berries. To prevent mold, rinse them just before eating, not when you bring them home. Store them in a breathable container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture in the fridge.