Hardy and long-lasting, onions are generally good to eat for a couple of months after they’ve been purchased, albeit after peeling back a few layers or discarding a slightly browned top.
Some people may turn to the fridge when cupboard storage doesn’t provide longevity, but this is a recipe for disaster.
They turn soft and soggy as the chilly, moist conditions cause their starches to convert into sugars, leaving you with mushy onions.
Store your onions in a dark, cool, dry place with good airflow to ensure they stay crisp.
Kitchen cupboards may seem convenient, but they must be away from heat sources like stoves or ovens, which can lead to fluctuating temperatures and moisture – the archnemesis of onions.
The ideal storage spots are garages or cellars. However, before tucking them away, consider their container. Experts at Shop Food Waste caution: “Never keep these items in sealed plastic as it will quickly cause spoilage.”
This means saying goodbye to supermarket plastic bags and even plastic mesh. Plastic retains moisture, setting the stage for mould growth.
The Shop Food Waste team also recommends against refrigerating onions, as it’s not conducive to their preservation. They advocate for “keeping onions and garlic in a basket or paper bag where air can circulate”.
When stored correctly in this manner, “onions and garlic can last up to three to six months”.
For those seeking to store their onions effectively, a net or mesh bag is ideal, as it encourages good airflow and minimises moisture. Alternatively, a perforated basket or bin can serve as an excellent onion storage container.
An old pair of tights can also be utilised. Simply place the onions into one leg, tie a knot above each one, and repeat until the leg is full.
This method can be applied to both legs of the tights, making it easy to hang and store large quantities of onions. Under optimal conditions, onions stored in this way can remain edible for several months, potentially up to six months.
However, regular checks are necessary to discard any spoil. It’s vital to store onions separately from other produce due to their propensity to absorb moisture and emit a strong odour, which could impact nearby fruits and vegetables.
Not all onions are suitable for such storage methods; spring onions, for example, should be refrigerated. To keep green onions fresh for as long as possible, fill a drinking glass with enough cold water to cover the roots of the spring onion.
Then, place the spring onion in the glass so that the water supports the veg’s stalks. The glass can then be placed in the fridge—just ensure that you cover it with a bag and secure it with a rubber band.
To maintain freshness, change the water every two or three days. This will help preserve the spring onions for two to three weeks.
