How to store onions so they last more than 3 months

Onions are one of the most common, useful, and versatile ingredients to add to a dish. Yet as essential and common as onions are in the kitchen, many are still unsure how to store onions at home. How long do onions last? Are they meant to be stored on the counter, in the fridge or in one’s pantry? Here is a guide on how to store onions so they stay fresh and flavourful for longer.

The best way to store onions

Generally, the most ideal place to store a whole onion at home is in a cool, dry and dark place. Your pantry, cupboard, unheated basement, cellar, or garage may be places that meet these requirements. The way you store onions will determine how long they will last.

In contrast to their normal shelf life of a few weeks, onions can last up to two or three months under the conditions mentioned above. Whole onions can also be stored in the refrigerator, but it is not recommended. This is because onions absorb moisture and refrigerating them will eventually cause them to soften. 

How to store chopped onions

How to store cut onion? Simple.

When the onion has been peeled or chopped, the best way to store cut onion becomes in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. Onions that have been peeled and stored in the refrigerator can last up to two weeks, while chopped onions will only last for seven to ten days.

There are two key tips to grasp when learning how to store cut onions in the refrigerator without smell. Firstly, after cutting the onion, briefly run them under water before putting them in a container. Doing this will remove the chemicals that cause onions to smell and therefore lessen the lingering onion smell in your fridge.

The second key tip is to store them in an airtight glass container instead of a plastic container or Ziplock bag. This is because plastic typically absorbs the smell of onion which causes the smell to spread.

How to store green onions and spring onions

When it comes to storing green onions, it is important to manage the moisture of the green onions. This can be done by storing the green onion in a plastic bag in the fridge, but the trick is to dry it off and then wrap the green onion using paper towel first.

You should also cut the green onion in half so it fits into the plastic bag. By doing this, you ensure the green onions are kept in a humid environment that also doesn’t allow too much moisture, which may cause rotting. This will make sure your green onions last anywhere from two to three weeks. 

Wondering how to store spring onions in the fridge? 

When it comes to how to store spring onions, the same method for green onions can be used, but instead of cutting and drying them, you should spray the plastic bag with water then, seal it and place it in the refrigerator. The best way to ensure your spring onions last as long as possible is to store them in a glass or vase of water on your kitchen counter. Just don’t forget to keep topping the water! These methods will help your spring onions last up to five weeks. 

How to tell if the onion is bad

There are three ways to tell if an onion has gone bad: 

1. If it starts to smell different, 
2. grow sprouts or dark spots, and 
3. you can feel soft or mushy patches on the onion.  

How do you serve raw onions?

Onions can be consumed raw in many different ways. Use them in omelettes, salads, or even canned vegetables or beans. Our favourite: Toss one cut onion and a few minced or chopped garlic cloves into a can of green beans. Your plain old can of beans is transformed into a tasty and nutritious vegetable treat.

What goes well with raw onions?

They pair well with bacon, toast, cheese, cream, milk, garlic, oil, pepper, and thyme and taste wonderful sautéed in butter. They are also excellent with mushrooms, meat, beets, cucumbers, and herbs, including basil, dill, sage, mint, parsley, and rosemary.

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