How to keep onions for a long time

Onions are an important part of the pantry all year long. Since they are often purchased in large quantities, correct storage is essential for long life.

If onions are stored incorrectly, they can quickly sprout, soften, or even start to mold from the inside. With the right conditions, you can ensure that the onions stay fresh for several months.

Storage of onions, the most important tips

When storing onions, there are three main things to keep in mind. In order for them to stay fresh for a long time, they have to be in one place:

If there is too much light, they will sprout, so they should not be unprotected in the kitchen, but in a closet or cellar. It is also important to choose a dry place. The onions they can start to mold from the inside if the humidity is above 70%, something that is not very difficult in a kitchen.

The ideal is to store the onions at a temperature between 5 and 10 ºC. As a place, the basement or a dark and airy pantry are very suitable for storage, since the temperature and humidity are low and there is little light.

It is also important that air reaches the onions. Therefore, it is necessary to remove them from the plastic bag, and even from the net, immediately after buying them, since the onions often they are squeezed in them and hardly receive air.

How to store onions in the kitchen

If you don’t have a basement, you can also store onions in the kitchen. However, it is important that the place is dry, dark and cool. A compartment in a closet or a drawer, for example, are the most suitable for this. However, keep in mind that onions only stay fresh for a few weeks in the kitchen.

In which container should I store the onions?

Only air-permeable containers are suitable for storing onions. In the basement, the best is store the onions in paper bags or jute sacks or in an open cardboard box.

Optionally, a woven basket or hanging net is also suitable. Also You can store the onions in a paper or burlap sack, if you store them in a kitchen drawer.

Also exist clay or metal containers with lids and holes for storing onions. In case of using this type of container, make sure that it does not get too hot, that is, do not leave it on the windowsill or on a heater. Plastic bags and containers are not suitable for storing onions.

Can you keep onions on the balcony?

You can also store the onions inside a cupboard on the balcony as long as it faces north and there is no frost. In addition, you must take care that the onions are always dry. As soon as temperatures drop below 4 degrees, the onions should be protected from the cold with a few layers of newspaper.

If you have rainy weather, fog and warm temperatures in spring and hot in summer, it is better to bring the bulbs indoors, because if they don’t they will spoil quickly.

Can you store onions in the fridge?

Onions should not be stored in the refrigerator. Although it is cold in the fridge, the humidity is high. In addition, there is often a lack of fresh air in the refrigerator, which causes additional problems for the onions.

Cut onions, on the other hand, do need to be stored in the refrigerator. It is best to place them cut-side down on a plate, or store the chopped onions in a clean tin or jar.

Can you store onions with garlic?

Since onions and garlic have roughly the same storage requirements, it makes sense to store the two bulbs together. The same requirements apply to garlic as to the storage of onions.

Do not store onions together with potatoes

Do not store onions in the same container as potatoes. Although they have similar requirements, the onions absorb moisture from the potatoes, causing them to rot faster. Potatoes, on the other hand, shrivel and sprout faster.

How long do onions keep?

If you store onions correctly, they can last for months. Once cut, you must use them within a period not exceeding four days.

When are onions bad?

Fresh, edible onions are firm, plump, and dry. if an onion has soft spots, black spots, or if individual layers are soft or dark, this indicates mold and rot. Even if the onion does not smell bad, it is better to throw it away.