Fruits and Vegetables That Taste Better at Room Temperature

Skip the fridge—these fresh picks shine brightest on the counter

Not all produce belongs in the fridge. In fact, some fruits and veggies actually lose flavor, texture, or aroma when chilled. Whether you’re trying to ripen peaches just right or keep your tomatoes from going mealy, knowing how to store fruits and veggies that taste best at room temp can help you preserve your produce, waste less and enjoy more.

Here’s what to leave out of the fridge—and why storing some produce at room temp matters.

Fruits That Taste Better (and Last Longer) at Room Temperature

Peaches, Plums & Nectarines
These stone fruits are juicier and more fragrant when ripened and eaten at room temp.
Cherries
While storing them cold can help them last longer, letting them sit out for a bit before eating boosts their natural flavor.
Melons: Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Watermelon
Let whole melons hang out on the counter until sliced—cooling too early can mute their sweetness.

Tomatoes
Chilling can make them mealy and dull their sweetness. Keep them on the counter for the best texture and full flavor.
Mangoes & Avocados
These tropical fruits ripen best at room temp and tend to go mushy or off-flavor in the fridge too soon.
Bananas
The cold can cause the peel to brown prematurely and impact texture—best kept on the counter.

Vegetables That Prefer the Counter

Tomatoes (yep, again!)
They’re technically a fruit, but worth repeating—they truly don’t belong in the fridge.
Onions & Garlic
Cold temperatures can cause sprouting and textural changes. A cool, dry pantry is best.
Cucumbers & Bell Peppers
While often refrigerated, these can lose crunch and develop soft spots if stored too cold for too long.

Hardy Winter Squash: Butternut, Acorn, Delicata, Kabocha
These hardy veggies last longer and retain their flavor when stored at room temp.
Sweet Potatoes
Cold storage can mess with their starch content and change the flavor—store in a dark, dry spot instead.

Keep reading: How to Organize Your Countertop for More Intuitive Cooking

Pro Tip: Know When to Store Chilled

While some produce is best kept out, once fruits are fully ripe or cut, it’s generally smart to refrigerate them to slow spoilage. But for peak eating? Let them sit out a bit first.