How to Choose and Store Dried Onions
Before you start storing dried onions, it is important to choose the highest quality onions. The onions should be firm, plump, have a dry outer skin, and be uniform in size. The outer skin should be dry and easy to peel off later.
Avoid buying onions that have sprouted as they will not stay fresh for a long time.
Additionally, avoid selecting onions with a strong odor as this indicates that they may be rotten or spoiled beneath the outer skin.
Store Dried Onions in a Mesh Bag, Paper Bag, or Basket
Onions are not difficult to store. For whole onions, you do not need to refrigerate or freeze them. Simply store them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation in the kitchen.
Ensure proper airflow to keep the onions well-ventilated and dry. Do not use plastic bags or airtight containers to store onions as they will hinder air circulation and cause the onions to spoil or mold quickly.
Place the onions in a basket or bag in a cool, dry place in the kitchen. Avoid storing onions in excessively low temperatures (below 10 degrees) or excessively high temperatures.
Remember to regularly check the bag of onions, discarding any that show signs of rot, softness, or color changes to prevent mold from spreading to other onions in the bag. Avoid using plastic bags to store onions as they can cause onions to sprout.
Steps to Store Onions at Room Temperature
Step 1: Choose dry and firm onions without soft spots or dents.
Step 2: Remove the excess outer skin by rubbing them between your palms.
Step 3: Place the onions in a mesh bag, paper bag, or basket. Ensure proper airflow to keep the onions well-ventilated and dry. Do not use plastic bags or airtight containers to store onions as they will hinder air circulation and cause the onions to spoil.
Step 4: Place the basket or bag of onions in a cool and dark place. The ideal temperature range for keeping onions fresh is between 5-15 degrees Celsius. Avoid storing onions in temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius or above 20 degrees Celsius.
Step 5: Check the bag or basket of onions once a week, discarding any that show signs of rot, softness, or color changes.
Storing Peeled Dried Onions
For peeled dried onions that have been chopped, it is recommended to store them in a cool environment to maintain freshness.
If you only need a small amount or plan to use them immediately, you can wrap the onions in plastic wrap or a zip-lock bag before placing them in the refrigerator. With this method, the onions can stay fresh for 2-3 days.
However, the best way is to use a sealed container or jar for storing chopped onions. This prevents the onion smell from transferring to other food items in the refrigerator.
Learn how to store dried onions properly so you can have them ready for cooking whenever you need them.
According to: Khoevadep