Sometimes, it feels as though you purchase your vegetables and by the end of the week, they’re looking a bit worse for wear. You find yourself frantically searching for recipes online to make the most of them quickly, but there’s often too many of them to do much with.
However, when it comes to onions, experts have revealed a specific method to store them that keeps them fresh – for up to six months.
Did you know that keeping your onions in the fridge can actually cause them to become soft and soggy? Fridges are cold and humid environments, and the cool temperature prompts the onions to convert starch into sugar, which results in them turning mushy.
Contrary to what you might have previously thought, onions are best kept in a dark, cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment. Kitchen cupboards are ideal, but avoid those near cookers, as this can cause the temperature to fluctuate excessively.
Garages or cellars are perfect locations as they need to be out of direct sunlight. If stored correctly, this can extend their shelf life to up to six months, saving you the hassle of constantly buying them and saving you money too.
If they’re exposed to sunlight, it can promote mould growth, which is undesirable, and you may not even notice that the onions have become mouldy until it’s too late.
If onions are purchased from a supermarket in a plastic bag, it’s advisable to take them out of the packaging. If they are in plastic mesh, this should also be removed.
Shop Food Waste advised: “Never keep these items in sealed plastic as it will quickly cause spoilage”, explaining that plastic bags trap moisture, which can lead to mould.
Instead, the experts suggest “keeping onions and garlic in a basket or paper bag where air can circulate” and if stored in this manner “onions and garlic can last up to three to six months”.
However, they recommend regular checks and removal of any onions showing signs of deterioration, as they can hasten spoilage in others. Due to their strong odour, onions should also be stored separately.
More ways to preserve onions
In an informative TikTok video, a foodie revealed three more ways you can preserve onions.
If you notice them going out of date, it’s advisable to think of methods to use them up. And by being a little creative, you can extend the shelf-life further.
The content creator recommends…
1. Dehydrating them
Slice onions and use a food dehydrator or oven at low temperature until completely dry. Store in airtight containers or blend until fine to create onion powder.
2. Crisp them up
Chop your onions finerly and fry them up – either in the pan or air fryer. This creates a deliciously crunchy texture you can use to top other dishes with.
3. Make onion oil
Don’t throw away the leftover oil used to cook these onions with – as it’s likely to be incredibly flavoursome. This onion oil can be drizzled over your meals for an extra punch of flavour.