Are you constantly having to buy new onions because they start to germinate or even rot just when you need them? Storing onions doesn't have to be that complicated. With optimal storage, you benefit from longer freshness and retain the flavor of the onion for several months - if you only know how to store onions properly.
We'll give you simple tips and tricks on how to avoid food waste and even become a storage pro!
The onion - star of the kitchen: how to ensure its shelf life
Onions are an integral part of most dishes. Their intense aroma can be found in many cuisines around the world. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, it is also used in many places as a medicinal plant to treat colds. It is all the more annoying when it has suddenly become soft and when you cut open the onion you see that it is rotting from the inside out.
If your onions have not been stored properly, they will quickly become mushy and start to smell bad. You can also quickly tell that they are starting to go moldy by the dark spots on the upper skin. Onions that are still fresh are characterized by the fact that they are still plump, firm and their skin is dry.
The ideal conditions for storing onions
Onions quickly start to go moldy or rot from the inside out in a damp environment - when you cut into them, you can see the full extent of it. To avoid this, you should always store them in a dry place. It is also important to keep the onions in a dark place so that they do not start to germinate. The same applies to the temperature: too much heat and too much cold have a negative effect on the shelf life of onions.
But how do you create the optimum conditions to store your onions properly?
Store onions in the right place
In general, you can store onions wherever the external conditions such as temperature, humidity and light exposure are right. Nevertheless, some places are better than others:
- Cellars: The cellar is ideal, as it is usually cool and dark here. Make absolutely sure that your cellar is dry!
- Pantry: A well-ventilated, dry and dark room is a good choice for storing your onions. An open metal storage basket saves space and provides sufficient ventilation.
- Kitchen: Whether in the storage cupboard or in an open corner, make sure that the onions are protected from light and heat and kept dry. Here too, open storage boxesthat allow enough air to pass through and save space.
- Refrigerator: Storing onions in the fridge is not a good idea! Although it is cool there, it is unfortunately far too damp. Your onions can quickly become soft, lose quality and go moldy faster! Only spring onions and sliced onions are ideal for storing in the vegetable drawer in the fridge.
- Not next to potatoes: You should not store your onions next to potatoes. These give off ethylene gas. This will significantly shorten the shelf life of your onions.
Not too warm and not too cold - the optimum temperature
Onions are sensitive to temperature. Temperatures between eight and fifteen degrees Celsius are ideal.
Heat: If onions are stored too warm, their ripening process is quickly stimulated and they start to germinate. At the same time, they can quickly become shrivelled at higher temperatures and lose quality or even go mouldy.
Cold: At temperatures below eight degrees, onions can lose their flavor and quickly become softer. Low temperatures also encourage high humidity, which penetrates through the skin into the onions, softening them and making them susceptible to rot.
Storing cut onions
Sometimes you only need half an onion for a recipe - and what about the rest? No problem! You can simply wrap the rest of the onion tightly in cling film or put it in one of our practical iDesign FRESH food storage containers CLEAR in various sizes and then store them in the fridge. Adequate sealing preserves the taste and smell without affecting other food in the fridge.
Tip: You can also easily freeze chopped onions in portions in a freezer bag or a suitable food storage container. This will save you time the next time you cook. Frozen onions will also keep for several months!
Storing onions correctly - different types of onions
Each onion variety has a different shelf life, so some onions can be stored for a longer period and some for a shorter period. We give you a brief overview of the properties of the most common onion varieties and what you should pay attention to:
Yellow onions - the classic variety
Yellow onions are not only one of the most commonly used varieties in the world, they can also be stored for a long time without any problems. Their thick, moisture-protecting skin makes them a robust storage wonder. And if you store the yellow onions optimally, they can stay fresh for up to three months. This makes them ideal for stockpiling.
Red onions - the aromatic classics
Thanks to their sweet, mild taste, red onions are also suitable for eating raw. This makes them particularly popular in salads or as a garnish. However, they have a much shorter shelf life. If you take care to store red onions properly, they will stay fresh for up to three weeks, sometimes even a little longer.
White onions - short shelf life
This onion variety is characterized by its particularly intense flavour. As it has a very thin skin compared to other varieties, it is extremely susceptible to moisture. White onions will therefore keep for around two weeks if stored optimally.
Shallots - small and long-lasting
Shallots have a mild, slightly sweet taste. Their shelf life is almost unbeatable - they can stay fresh for up to six months if stored optimally.
Spring onions - for immediate consumption
Onions are better stored in the fridge. They can be kept there for up to seven days. However, you should definitely consume them within this time!
Tip: For longer freshness, you can wrap spring onions in a damp cloth before putting them in the vegetable drawer. Not enough space in the fridge? Have a look at our fridge organizersto make your fridge not only tidy, but a real space miracle!
Storing onions can be so easy
With these tips and tricks, it's very easy to store onions and preserve them for a long time. Not only are you doing something good for your wallet, but you can also reduce unnecessary food waste - even if you've got hold of a huge net of your favorite onions. Storing onions can be so easy!
Don't know where to put the rest of your shopping? No problem! We at BINS AND BOXES are real storage professionals - have a look at our starter sets and let them inspire you!
