Throughout history, humans have had to find creative ways to keep food from spoiling using whatever resources were available—from holes in the ground to cold water in nearby lakes and rivers. Although artificial refrigeration began in the mid-1700s, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that what we now know as refrigerators gained traction and started appearing in homes across the United States.
Now that refrigerators are a staple appliance in every home, many of us tend to store as much as possible—especially fruits and vegetables—within them, believing it will retain freshness and preserve quality, texture, and taste.
