Should Root Vegetables Be Refrigerated?

Root vegetables keep for months if the conditions are right. Between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit with 95-percent humidity keeps them crisp and fresh – exactly why the refrigerator was invented. ... Low humidity causes them to dry out and shrivel up.

What is the best way to store root vegetables?

Store them in a cool pantry or closet at 55° to 60°. If no cool place is available, pack them in layers of sand in barrels or crates. The sand cushions and keeps the tubers cool, but not cold enough to freeze. Place the containers in a moderately warm basement or garage.

Why should root vegetables not be refrigerated?

Many of us store foods like potatoes, onions, garlic and ginger root in the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator, but storing root vegetables don't do do well in cold storage. High humidity in refrigerators causes rot and storing root vegetables together can actually affect the flavor.