Storing onions in the fridge can lead to disaster; they become soft or soggy as the cold, damp conditions prompt the onions to turn their starch into sugars, eventually turning your onions mushy.
For long-lasting produce, find a spot that’s dark, cool, dry, and has plenty of air circulation.
Kitchen cupboards might be a tempting option but only if they’re away from heat sources like cookers or ovens which could cause fluctuating temperatures and moisture – the enemy of the humble onion.
As for the most sought-after spots to keep onions, garages or cellars fit the bill.
But first, it’s important to consider what your onions are contained in before they’re stowed away.
Experts at Shop Food Waste warn: “Never keep these items in sealed plastic as it will quickly cause spoilage.”
This means you should ditch plastic bags from the supermarket and if they come in plastic mesh, get rid of that too as plastic traps moisture, paving the way for mould to thrive.
The Shop Food Waste team also advised against storing onions in the fridge, as it’s not the ideal environment for them. Instead, they suggest “keeping onions and garlic in a basket or paper bag where air can circulate”.
Properly stored this way, “onions and garlic can last up to three to six months”.
For those looking to keep their onions contained, a net or mesh bag is the best option, promoting good airflow and reducing moisture. Alternatively, a perforated basket or bin serves as an excellent storage container for onions
An old pair of tights will also do the trick. Simply place the onions into one leg, tie a knot above, and repeat until the leg is full.
This method works in both legs of a pair of tights, making large numbers of onions easy to hang and store.
Onions preserved in this manner remain consumable for several months, potentially up to half a year under optimal conditions. However, regular checks are necessary to discard any that start to go bad.
It’s crucial to store onions separately from other produce due to their tendency to absorb moisture and emit a strong odour, which could affect nearby fruits and vegetables.
However, not all onions are suited for such storage methods; spring onions, for instance, should be refrigerated.
To ensure the green onions stay fresh for as long as possible, fill a drinking glass high enough with cold water to cover the roots of the spring onion.
Next, place the spring onion in the glass to ensure the water is supporting the stalks of the veg. You can then place the glass in the fridge – though make sure to cover the glass with a bag and put a rubber band over it to keep everything in place.
To keep the water fresh make sure to change it every two or three days. This will help keep the spring onions for up to two to three weeks.
