We tend to shove all our vegetables and most foods in the fridge. However, some foods do not fare too well in the refrigerator.
Surprisingly, putting tomatoes in the fridge will prevent them from ripening, thus killing their flavour. Similarly, ripe bananas can be put in the fridge to keep them ripe, but putting an unripe banana in there will stop it from ripening. According to A Moment of Science, bananas are from warm, tropical climates and have no natural defence against the cold.
Melons can be stored in the fridge as long as they have been cut. Until then, store it outside. Research has shown that keeping a melon at room temperature preserves the high antioxidant levels. The National Onion Association says that the only time onions should be kept in a fridge is if you’re trying to extend their shelf life. Otherwise, keep it in a cool, dry place. Keeping potatoes in the fridge can change its starch to sugar. Not only can this change the potato’s texture, but it can also make it taste sweet once cooked.
Putting garlic in a fridge, especially in a plastic bag is an invitation for mould. Best to store it in a cool, dark place that isn’t the fridge. Freezing a loaf of bread temporarily stops bread from becoming stale, but refrigerating one can actually speed up the development of mould. The cold temperature causes the starch to crystallise quicker, making bread hard and stale.