Garlic and Onions Need Airflow, Not the Fridge
Refrigerating whole garlic bulbs and onions actually speeds up sprouting and can turn the texture rubbery — they keep best in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot (a mesh bag or open bowl, not a sealed container). Once peeled or cut, though, they do need to go in the fridge in a sealed container to stay fresh.
Sources & methodology: These tips draw on established food-science references —
Harold McGee's food-science writing, America's Test Kitchen /
Cook's Illustrated testing, Serious Eats'
technique reporting, USDA food safety guidance,
and peer-reviewed food-safety research (including UC Davis
cutting-board studies) — not reworded recipe-blog consensus.