Kitchen design
Where to Store Fruit and Veg: Fridge, Larder or Counter
A simple chart of where common fruit and vegetables keep best, plus the pairs that should not be stored together.
Store fruit and vegetables in the right place and they last days or weeks longer, which means less waste. The rule of thumb: most keep best in the fridge, but a few prefer somewhere cool, dark and airy, like an old larder.
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Storage chart
| Food | Best place | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | Cool, dark, airy place, or the fridge | Light turns them green. The UK Food Standards Agency has said raw potatoes can be kept in the fridge |
| Onions | Cool, dry, airy place | Not in the fridge or a sealed bag; keep them away from potatoes |
| Garlic | Cool, dry, airy place | Not in the fridge |
| Carrots, parsnips | Fridge salad drawer | Remove any leafy tops first |
| Leeks, cabbage, broccoli | Fridge | |
| Tomatoes | Room temperature | Better flavour than from the fridge; chill only once very ripe |
| Apples, pears | Fridge, or a cool shed or garage for large amounts | Store only unblemished fruit, not touching |
| Bananas | Room temperature | Keep them away from other fruit |
| Berries, grapes | Fridge | Wash just before eating |
| Citrus | Fridge or a cool counter |
Keep apart
Apples, bananas and tomatoes give off ethylene, a gas that speeds up ripening. Keep them away from leafy veg, and keep onions away from potatoes: the potatoes sprout sooner.
Storage that helps
- Wire or wooden vegetable racks let air circulate around potatoes and onions.
- A cool larder is ideal: see pantry and larder ideas.
- Bread has its own rules: see our bread bin guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to keep potatoes in the fridge?
Yes. The Food Standards Agency says you can store raw potatoes in the fridge or in a cool, dark, dry place. Its earlier advice against the fridge was withdrawn after research showed fridge storage does not materially increase acrylamide-forming sugars.
Why do my onions go soft or sprout?
Usually too much moisture: keep them somewhere cool, dry and airy, and away from potatoes.
Should tomatoes go in the fridge?
They taste better kept at room temperature. Chill them only once they are fully ripe and you need them to last a little longer.
Sources
- Home food fact checker, Food Standards Agency (GOV.UK), 21 August 2026. Checked 1 October 2026.