Question
Is there an overarching reason to explain why some fruit and vegetables are best stored at room temperature and others not?
Answer
There are two primary reasons.
1. Fruits and vegetables that originated from tropical or subtropical regions of the world are generally sensitive to very low temperatures (5 to 15 degrees Celsius), while produce from temperate regions can tolerate low temperatures (-1 to 0C), so long as they do not freeze the product.
2. Some products are not ripe and ready to eat when purchased and can be allowed to ripen on the counter before placing at low temperatures in the fridge.
– Dr. Beth Mitcham
February 2022