Tips

6 Ways to Store Onions and Keep Them Fresh for Longer

Keep your onions fresh for longer with these simple storage tips to prevent spoilage and extend their shelf life.

5 May, 2024

If you don’t store onions properly, they can easily go rotten and spoil. Is there a way to store onions for a long time without them going bad? You should use the following methods.

How to store onions for a long time

If you want your onions to stay fresh for as long as possible, follow these steps:

Store in a cool, dry place

Onions should be stored in a dark, dry, cool place with good air circulation to prevent moisture from accumulating and causing rot. Place the onions in a pantry or kitchen cupboard where there is good airflow, away from heat and sunlight.

There are some ways to store onions for a long time without worrying about them going rotten or spoiling. (Photo: Recipes)

Store onions in mesh bags or baskets

Instead of putting onions in plastic bags, put them in mesh bags or baskets to keep the air circulating, prevent moisture from accumulating, and avoid rotting. Alternatively, you can put the onions in an open cardboard box for better storage.

If you buy onions in plastic bags, remember to remove them as soon as you get home. Paper bags, baskets, or cardboard boxes will provide better ventilation. Make sure they are stacked loosely so that air can circulate around each onion.

Do not store onions in plastic bags

If you regularly put onions in plastic bags in the refrigerator, stop doing it right away. The moisture in the refrigerator and the airtightness of the plastic bag can cause the onions to grow roots and spoil. This way, you can only store onions for about 2 to 3 days.

Do not store onions with potatoes

To store onions for a long time without spoilage, avoid storing them with potatoes. (Photo: Taste of Home)

Do not store onions with potatoes because the moisture from the potatoes can make the onions damp and rot more quickly. At the same time, potatoes easily “absorb” the smell of onions, which makes food taste strange after cooking.

Do not store in the refrigerator

Normally, you would choose to store vegetables in the refrigerator when not in use, but do not do this with onions. Refrigerators are humid, which will cause onions to soften and rot quickly.

Freeze onions

Although you should not store onions in the refrigerator, freezing them will help preserve them perfectly. This way, do not keep the whole onion; instead, wash, peel, cut into chunks or small pieces, then put them in a zip-top bag or sealed container and place them in the freezer. This method can preserve onions for a long time, and when you need to use them, just defrost them.

Medicinal benefits of onions

Here are some of the health benefits of onions.

Provide calcium for strong bones

Onions are rich in calcium, comparable to calcium-rich vegetables like cabbage. It also contains magnesium and potassium. The calcium and phosphorus in onions are in a suitable, balanced ratio, making them easy to absorb. Those who want to supplement calcium to prevent osteoporosis should consider onions a priority food.

Prevent colds

Onions help prevent colds and relieve symptoms like a stuffy nose and runny nose caused by colds. Studies show that onions contain allicin, which has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and inhibits and destroys many types of viruses.

Lower blood pressure

Onions are one of the few vegetables that contain prostaglandin A, which can dilate blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity, and thus help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots.

In addition, quercetin in onions is a potent antioxidant that scavenges free radicals, limiting aging in women.

Prevent cancer

Allicin and quercetin in onions reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for cancer prevention. Italian researchers have collected and analyzed research data on the relationship between onions and the incidence of gastric cancer. The results showed that regular consumption of onions reduces the risk of developing stomach cancer.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

Onions can quickly rot and spoil if not stored correctly. Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and last longer.

Store onions in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation. Use mesh bags, baskets, or cardboard boxes instead of plastic bags to prevent moisture accumulation and rotting. Keep them away from heat, sunlight, and potatoes.

The best place to store onions is a pantry or kitchen cupboard—a dark, dry, and cool area with good airflow, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Avoid using plastic bags as they can trap moisture and cause rotting. Instead, opt for mesh bags, baskets, or cardboard boxes, which allow for better air circulation. Loosely stack the onions so that air can reach each one.

It is not recommended to store onions in the refrigerator as the moisture will cause them to soften and rot. Also, do not store onions with potatoes, as the moisture from the potatoes can make the onions damp, leading to quicker rot, and the potatoes will absorb the onion’s smell.

Yes, freezing onions is an excellent way to preserve them for an extended period. Wash, peel, and cut the onions before placing them in a zip-top bag or sealed container and storing them in the freezer.

Onions are rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for strong and healthy bones, and may help prevent osteoporosis. They contain allicin, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to prevent colds and inhibit viruses. Onions also contain prostaglandin A, which can lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. The quercetin in onions is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals, thus limiting aging. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of allicin and quercetin contribute to cancer prevention.