Onions are an essential component in many of our favorite dishes, enhancing the taste of soups, stews, salads, and more.
However, there are times when we purchase onions only to discover they are sprouting or rotting before we have the opportunity to use them. This can be both annoying and wasteful.
Here are the important methods for storing onions to ensure they remain fresh till whenever you need them.
1. Store them in a cool, dry location
Onions prefer cool and dry conditions. Steer clear of placing them near stoves, ovens, or areas with considerable sunlight, as heat can accelerate spoilage.
2. Ensure proper airflow
Good air circulation is crucial for keeping onions fresh. Instead of using plastic bags, which can trap moisture, opt for mesh bags or baskets. You can also repurpose the mesh bags that come with oranges or other fruits. This enables air to circulate around the onions, which helps prevent mold and sprouting.
3. Avoid storing onions with potatoes
While it may seem convenient to store all your vegetables together, onions and potatoes do not coexist well in storage. Potatoes emit moisture and gases that can lead to the rapid spoilage of onions. It’s best to keep them in separate locations to prolong their freshness.
4. Avoid refrigerating whole onions
Storing whole onions in the refrigerator is not advisable. The cold environment can cause them to become soft and mushy due to the moisture present in the fridge.
However, if you’ve already sliced an onion, it’s important to store the unused portion in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and consume it within a few days.
5. Inspect them regularlyÂ
It’s wise to periodically check your stored onions. Take out any onions that display signs of decay, such as soft areas, mold, or unpleasant odors. This helps ensure that one spoiled onion doesn’t affect the others.
6. Utilize or freeze surplus onions
If you have more onions than you can use before they spoil, think about chopping and freezing them. Frozen onions are perfect for cooked recipes like soups and stir-fries. Just peel, chop, and put them in freezer bags. Don’t forget to label the bags with the date.
