Onions can go bad quickly, especially if they’re not stored properly, but there are simple tricks you can use to ensure they stay fresher for longer
There’s nothing more maddening than grabbing an onion for a recipe, only to discover it’s gone off.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to extend your onions’ lifespan, and it’s entirely down to storage methods.
Onions will keep for longer periods if they’re not stored alongside potatoes – and it’s all about moisture levels.
Potatoes contain high moisture levels which can make onions weep and spoil prematurely.
Yet, it operates in reverse too, with onions actually harming potatoes as well, since they release ethylene gas that causes potatoes to mature extremely rapidly, reports the Express.
You should always make sure to keep your onions in a cool, dry, well-aired space, the National Onion Association (NOA) advises.
They ought to be kept away from direct sunlight and other heat sources, and you should be careful not to drop them as this can lead to bruising and internal rot.
When you get back from the supermarket, the initial step before storing your onions should be removing any plastic wrapping from them.
Margarethe A. Cooper, Ph.D., associate professor of practice in the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona, told MarthaStewart.com: “If you leave whole onions in a grocery bag without air circulation, it will reduce shelf life by keeping moisture in and encouraging spoilage microbes to grow, such as mold.”
High moisture levels can also cause the onions to begin sprouting.
The expert continued: “If the bag you purchased or stored the onions in from the store is airtight, transfer them to a mesh bag or container that allows air circulation.”
But what’s the best way to store an onion that’s already been sliced?
Once you’ve used part of an onion, you can keep the remaining portion in a sealed container in the fridge.
This will remain fresh for seven to 10 days, according to the experts at the NOA. Nevertheless, regarding pre-cut fresh or frozen onions, you should always adhere to the instructions on the packaging.
Regarding potatoes, it’s crucial not to trap them in a plastic bag as they require air flow. Tesco explained you should place them in a paper bag and store them in a “dark place of your choosing”.
The retail giant recommends a porch cupboard or garden shed, though noted that the fridge can also be suitable. You can determine if your potatoes have deteriorated as they may become green, develop soft spots, or emit an unpleasant odour.
Tesco stated: “If the skin starts to sag, the flesh feels squidgy (or is even wet to touch) this is a surefire sign these potatoes are long past their best.”