It often happens that a few days after buying onions, they sprout. The reason is because you don’t maintain them properly. Light and humidity are the factors to take into account so that it doesn’t happen.
Onions are one of the most consumed vegetables throughout the year. Sometimes we buy in bulk, but it is necessary to store them properly so that they do not spoil.
If onions are stored incorrectly, they can sprout quickly, become soft, or even start to mold inside. With the right conditions, you’ll ensure your onions stay fresh for several months.
Onion storage, the most important
When storing onions, there are three main things to remember. In order for them to stay fresh for a long time, they need to be in one place:
If there is too much light, they will sprout, so they should not be left unprotected in the kitchen, but in a cupboard or cellar. It is also important to choose a dry place. Onions can start to mold from the inside if the humidity is above 70%, which isn’t too difficult in a kitchen.
Ideally, onions should be stored at a temperature between 5 and 10°C. As a place, the basement or a dark and airy pantry is very suitable for storage, as the temperature and humidity are low and there is little light.
It is also important that the air reaches the onions. Therefore, it is necessary to remove them from the plastic bag, and even from the net, immediately after buying them, as onions are often squeezed into them and hardly get any air.
How to store onions in the kitchen?
If you don’t have a basement, you can also store onions in the kitchen. However, it is important that the place is dry, dark and cool. A compartment in a closet or a drawer, for example, are the most suitable for this. However, keep in mind that onions only stay fresh for a few weeks in the kitchen.
What is the best container to store onions?
Only air-permeable containers are suitable for storing onions. In the cellar, it is best to store onions in paper bags or jute sacks or in an open cardboard box.
Optionally, a woven basket or hanging net is also suitable. You can also store onions in a paper or burlap bag if you keep them in a kitchen drawer.
There are also earthenware or metal containers with lids and holes for storing onions. If you use this type of container, make sure it doesn’t get too hot, i.e. don’t leave it on the windowsill or on a radiator. Plastic bags and Tupperware are not suitable for storing onions.
Is it possible to store onions on a balcony?
You can also store onions in a cupboard on your porch as long as it faces north and is frost free (if you live in the northern hemisphere it will be the opposite). Also, you must take care that the onions are always dry. As soon as the temperature drops below 4 degrees, the onions should be protected from the cold with a few layers of newspaper.
In case of rain, fog and hot temperatures in spring and hot in summer, it is better to bring the lamps inside, otherwise they will quickly spoil.
Can onions be stored in the fridge?
Onions should not be stored in the refrigerator. Even though it’s cold in the fridge, the humidity is high. In addition, there is often a lack of fresh air in the refrigerator, which causes additional problems for onions.
Sliced ​​onions, on the other hand, need to be stored in the refrigerator. It’s best to place them cut side down on a plate or store the chopped onions in a clean tin or jar.
Can you mix onion with garlic?
Since onions and garlic have roughly the same storage requirements, it makes sense to store the two bulbs together. The same requirements apply to garlic regarding onion storage.
Do not store onions with potatoes
Do not store onions in the same container as potatoes. Although they have similar requirements, onions absorb moisture from potatoes, causing them to rot more quickly. Potatoes, on the other hand, wither and sprout faster.
How long do onions last?
If you store onions correctly, they can last for months. Once cut, you must use them within a period of not more than four days.
When do onions go bad?
Fresh, edible onions are firm, plump, and dry. If an onion has soft spots, black spots, or if the individual layers are soft or dark, this indicates mold and rot. While onions don’t smell bad, it’s best to discard them.
What to do if the onions have already sprouted?
If the onions start to sprout and are rot-free, i.e. the rest of the bulb is healthy, then this chopped sprout can be eaten.
Another option is to plant them in the garden to continue their cycle.