Now that the summer weather has firmly arrived in the UK, it unfortunately means our food can spoil quicker. Having to throw away fresh produce is a real pain, not just in terms of food waste but because of the money it wastes too.
Because of this, knowing how to store your food properly is key. One such ingredient that can spoil pretty quickly is the onion, which is used in countless different recipes. According to food storage experts, one mistake that can ruin your onions involves storing it next to another very popular kitchen staple.
Food storage expert Chris Hassall from Virtual College Netex has lifted the lid on how to properly store your onions to make them last as long as possible.
They should ‘never’ be kept in the fridge, contrary to popular belief, because the cool environment can cause them to soften and spoil quicker.
Chris added: “The cold temperatures can increase the conversion of the starch to sugar, resulting in onions going soft or mushy.”
Where to store your onions
For optimal storage, Chris suggested keeping onions in a cool, dry and dark place such as a pantry or cupboard.
He added: “Just make sure they are never stored next to potatoes as the onions can absorb the moisture from potatoes, causing them to spoil faster.
“Onions also emit ethylene gas, which can cause potatoes to sprout more quickly too.”
You should also avoid storing onions in a paper bag, as these can trap moisture, leading to mould growth and spoilage.
How long do onions last?
If stored correctly, whole onions will stay fresh for six to eight weeks, accroding to Chris.
This changes slighly if the onion has been cut. He added: “If you have chopped an onion, this should keep for around seven to 10 days as long as it is kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
“If you want to extend the shelf life further, place chopped onions in an airtight container in the freezer where they will last for several months.”