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How to Store Whole and Cut Avocados So They Last
Do Store Whole Onions in a Cool, Dark and Dry Place
It might seem like a good idea to refrigerate whole onions, but onions absorb moisture easily and inside the fridge is a humid place, which makes for mushy, sprouted or even spoiled onions. Instead, keep onions in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, such as a pantry, cellar or even the garage. It also helps to keep onions in the dark because the lack of sunlight helps reduce changes in temperature and humidity.
If you don’t have a pantry, cellar or garage, onions are best stored in the fridge, where they will last up to two weeks, or at room temperature, where they will last about one week.
Don’t Store Whole Onions in Plastic Bags
Another way to ensure good ventilation is to avoid using plastic bags, which trap moisture. Keep whole onions in an open basket or bin, a mesh bag or a loose paper bag to ensure good air flow. If you did buy onions in a net bag, that’s a great way to store them, as it keeps them together but allows for air to circulate. There may also be a label on the bag, which makes it easy to add a date and track how long you’ve been storing those onions. A paper bag makes this easy, too.
Don’t Store Onions and Potatoes Together
Though they play together nicelyin the ovenor slow cooker, potatoes and onions are not friendly storage mates and tend to go bad more quickly if stored together.
How to Store Potatoes (Hint: Not in the Refrigerator)
Do Refrigerate Peeled, Halved, Sliced or Diced Onions
Once onions are peeled or cut in any way, they are best stored in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator. Peeled whole onions should last 10 days to 2 weeks, while cut onions should last about 10 days. If using a container, consider glass, which doesn’t absorb odors like plastic.
Do Freeze Sliced or Chopped Onions
While it’s cumbersome to freeze whole raw onions, sliced or diced onions can be frozen for up to six months (learnhow to freeze onions here). Store them in airtight freezer bags—labeled and dated so you can keep track of them—and consider double bagging to keep onion odors in and other odors out.
Onions thaw quickly but you can submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water to speed up the process. They won’t be quite as crisp as fresh onions, but frozen onions are great in cooked dishes, such assoups,stewsandcasseroles.
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