The fridge is an excellent invention that helps us store food at a lower temperature, so it lasts longer without going bad.

It isn't uncommon to come home with the shopping, open the fridge and put most of the things we've purchased there. But this isn't good for all foods, as they could lose their beneficial properties faster or rot.

Let's have a look at some examples:

• Garlic and onions: it isn't uncommon to see garlic kept in the fridge or to use half an onion and wrap the rest in film and put it in the fridge. But this isn’t recommended as the damp fridge can cause mould to grow. It is best to store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
• Tomatoes: I think most will find it odd to even say that tomatoes shouldn't be stored in the fridge. But it's true, the cool temperatures in the fridge cause them to lose their flavour as the cold stops the ripening process and affects their texture, making them grainy. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature.
• Tropical fruit: they grow in warm climates and, therefore, the low temperatures in the fridge lead them to deteriorate and decompose, stop them from ripening properly and change their natural flavour, even causing them to become unpleasant. They are best stored at room temperature.
• Potatoes: the cold can increase the sugar and starch content, making them starchy and changing the flavour. If you want to keep them in the fridge, first peel, cut and put them in a bowl of water to prevent them from oxidising. Otherwise it's best to store them outside of the fridge, in a cool, dry place.
• Coffee: in the fridge, it loses its flavour and takes on that of other foods. It is best stored in a cool, dark place.
• And our much-loved chocolate: the heat melts it but the cool temperature in the fridge isn't good either, as it can give it a white film that alters its taste and texture. It is best to store it at room temperature in a dark place.