LifestyleGrandpa showed me how to properly store onions. None will go to waste

Grandpa showed me how to properly store onions. None will go to waste

How to store onions for the winter? Grandpa has always used one method.
How to store onions for the winter? Grandpa has always used one method.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

12:18 PM EDT, October 25, 2023

In the kitchen cabinet, refrigerator, or maybe in the basement? With the skin or without? If properly prepared for winter, the onion will enjoy its taste and aroma for a good few months. However, you need to know where it belongs to prevent the vegetable from spoiling.

In order to enjoy onions all winter, they must be properly stored. Some varieties are more durable and suitable for long-term storage, such as yellow onions, red onions, or shallots. However, care must be taken to provide suitable conditions, so the vegetable does not begin to sprout or rot. My grandfather has always used one method. It works like no other.

How to store onions for the winter at home?

The best, proven way to store onions is to place them in mesh or sacks made of breathable material, such as linen, cotton, or jute. These nets can then be hung in a dry and cool place, like a basement, pantry, or garage. It's important to ensure good ventilation for the vegetables and not to expose them to sunlight. Importantly, the stored onions should be completely dry (moisture encourages the growth of mold and fungi) and in their skin.

Another way to store onions is to place them in boxes or baskets made of wood, wicker, or plastic, which have holes or gaps to allow airflow. The boxes or baskets can be stacked in a dry and cool place, such as in a basement, pantry, or garage. As with bags or nets, you should avoid direct sunlight and ensure good ventilation for the vegetables. The boxes or baskets should be small and not too deep, so the onions aren't squeezed and have access to air.

How to store onions for the winter?
How to store onions for the winter?© Pixabay

How to store peeled and chopped onions?

Chopped onion should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container (preferably glass). This will limit the access to oxygen, which promotes the growth of bacteria and participates in oxidation processes, causing loss of freshness. Above all, however, a tightly closed container will prevent the spread of the vegetable's odor inside the refrigerator. The onion stored in this way will retain its freshness for up to 14 days.

However, peeled and chopped onion will last about 7 days in the refrigerator. Such should also be stored in hermetically sealed containers in the refrigerator - in this case, you don't have to worry about light, humidity, or temperature, as the containers protect the onion from these factors. It is worth remembering, however, that onions stored in this way lose some of their flavor and aroma, and also become soft and moist.

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