How to Store Onions
Looking for the answers on storage for onions? Peel open this guide to find out more!
Onions are a staple vegetable in the average diet. There are thousands of recipes that call for them. First they’re pungent, with a tang that’s almost spicy. But when cooked, they mellow out and become sweeter. It’s almost impossible not to love such a versatile vegetable! With such a staple vegetable, the last thing you want is to have it go bad on you. Onions can be sensitive, but not to worry – this guide focuses on how to store onions and which storage for onions is best.
How to Store Green Onions
Store green onions in a cup of water on the counter. Keep them cool and away from sunlight. Fill the cup with a couple inches of water, just enough to cover the roots. The water will help them become more firm (and in some cases, grow a bit longer). This will also help retain freshness for a longer period of time. Do this only if your green onions have not been refrigerated. If they begin to soften, place them inside the refrigerator crisper drawer. If your green onions have been refrigerated or in a chilled display, wrap a damp paper towel around the roots and place them in an airtight container. Then place them in the refrigerator crisper drawer.
Tip!
Pickled green onions should be stored in airtight jars for pickling and placed in a dark, cool place. Once they are opened, they should be stored in the refrigerator.
How to Store All Other Onions
All other onion types (including white, red, yellow, and sweet onions as well as shallots) have the same guidelines when it comes to how to store onions. Unopened onions need to be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. They can be placed in baskets or bowls without lids. Be sure to separate onions from other perishables as they give off a gas that causes other vegetables and fruits to decay at an accelerated rate.
When the onions begin to soften, promptly place them in the refrigerator crisper drawer unless they have been opened. Storage for onions that have been opened is very simple. Store them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Since the gas the onions exude won’t be able to escape, it’s safe to store them near other fruits and veggies in the fridge.
