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How should you store onions?
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Onions are an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen. They come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Because they are a kitchen staple, people often buy them in bulk. There is a possibility that they will become mushy or start sprouting before you can use them. Therefore, it is important that you store onions correctly.
Read also: Everything you need to know about onions
Storing onions after harvest
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First select the appropriate onions. Onions harvested in the spring and summer are often not hard and strong enough to store for long periods and must be eaten quickly after purchase. Onions harvested in the fall or winter usually last longer. If you grow onions yourself, save the onions you plant during the spring.
Onions can be strong or mild. Strong onions are onions that you can store. Unlike mild onions, strong onions contain sulfur compounds. The presence of these compounds makes your eyes water when cutting onions, and the sulfur compounds also ensure that onions can be stored better. Mild onions do not have this property. So you should eat them within a few weeks after harvesting. Most onion varieties available in Belgium can be stored for a long time.
Read also: Why do we cry when cutting onions and what can you do about it?
In the refrigerator?
“Regular,” yellow and red, unpeeled onions and leeks are best stored in a dry, dark, cool place, such as a cellar or pantry. So not in the fridge. This is because it absorbs moisture easily. If the temperature or humidity is too high, they may sprout or rot. It is ideal for storing onions at a temperature of 4 to 10 degrees Celsius. They retain their properties better at these temperatures.
In addition, do not place onions next to other produce such as potatoes. Ethylene gas will cause it to spoil faster than usual.
Another tip: Store them in a mesh bag or wire basket so they can get good ventilation. This prevents mold growth and germination.
Read also: How to remove the annoying onion smell from your hands
In the refrigerator?
If you freeze chopped onions, they will last longer. Store chopped onions in a freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Freezer bags are thicker than regular plastic zipper bags, so the pungent odor cannot spread to other products in the freezer.
How long can you keep onions?
Onions can last for several months if stored properly. Be sure to remove any onions that appear to be spoiling to prevent the rest from spoiling as well.
Storing whole onions in the refrigerator exposes them to cold, moist conditions. Because they absorb moisture easily, they can become soft and spoil more quickly. However, this does not apply to peeled, sliced or diced onions. Peeled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, while chopped onions only last seven to 10 days.
You can store green onions in the refrigerator in a storage container or plastic wrap for about a week.
Read also: How healthy is garlic?
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