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Why You Should Never Store Onions in the Fridge?

Preserving onions in the refrigerator is a big no-no - but do you know why? It's time to uncover the reasons why your onions should never see the inside of your fridge.

Administrator

31 August, 2024

1 Why You Should Never Store Onions in the Fridge

Onions need a dry, ventilated environment to “breathe.” Storing them in the fridge will cause them to soften, become soggy, and spoil quickly.

It’s best to keep onions in a kitchen cabinet, in a dark and well-ventilated area. This can help keep onions fresh for up to 30 days.

The optimal temperature for storing onions is 44.6 °F, but room temperature usually doesn’t reach this level. So, store your onions in baskets or mesh bags and place them in a cool, dry place.

For reference: 7 for several weeks

2 It Affects the Flavor and Quality of Other Foods in the Fridge

Onions have a strong odor, and it can permeate your fridge, leaving an unpleasant smell. Especially when onions start to rot, the stench becomes even more unbearable. This will also affect the quality and taste of other foods stored in the fridge.

If you’ve ever experienced the smell of rotten onions, imagine that multiplied within the confines of your refrigerator!

Also, a crucial tip to remember is never to store onions next to potatoes in the fridge, as onions will cause the potatoes to spoil faster.

3 It Can Cause Illness

Onions stored in the fridge are not only more prone to spoilage but also highly susceptible to mold growth, especially when kept in bags or dark-colored paper (a common practice to keep onions fresh).

In a moist and enclosed environment like a refrigerator, mold can spread and disperse rapidly. Suddenly, your fridge, which stores various foods for your family, becomes a dangerous hub of disease-causing bacteria.

You certainly wouldn’t want this to happen to your fridge!

Onions, and bulbs, in general, usually have a long shelf life even at room temperature. So, it’s essential to know which foods require refrigeration and which don’t to ensure vegetable quality and food safety. Additionally, you can adopt to keep your produce fresh.

See also:

Reference: giadinh.vnexpress.net

Frequently asked questions

Storing onions in the fridge can increase their moisture content, leading to sprouting and spoilage. It can also affect the texture and taste of the onion, making it rubbery and less flavorful.

The best way to store onions is in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, such as a pantry or basement. They should be kept away from direct sunlight and stored in a single layer in a mesh bag or a basket to allow air circulation.

Onions can last for up to two months when stored in a cool, dry place. To extend their shelf life even further, you can store them in a mesh bag in the fridge, but only for a few extra weeks.

An onion has likely gone bad if it has started to sprout, develop mold, or become soft and squishy. It may also develop a strong, unpleasant odor.

It is not recommended to use onions that have started to sprout. The sprouts indicate that the onion is past its prime and its taste and texture will be affected. However, you can remove the sprouts and use the onion immediately if it otherwise looks and smells fresh.