Onion is one of the best options to flavor your food. Spice it up when it is fresh. But the question is, how long do onions remain fresh?
That matters a lot when you need to retain the original tastes. However, there are hundreds of storage methods but you should consider the best one according to your choice.
Do you want to know the best storage methods for onions? Let’s know the multiple favorable methods for your onion longevity and freshness.
How long do onions last?
Onion’s long-lasting nature depends on the storage method. If you want to extend the longevity of onions, dive into the accurate temperature and elevate the lifespan of the onions.
Let’s shed light on the various types of onions’ longevity.
Whole onion
Whole onions have a longer shelf life. Plan a difference of many days compared to the average storage of the peeled onion compared to the whole one.
However, you have multiple strategies to extend the life of the whole onion. Let’s compare them.
- Room temperature
The whole thing survives more at room temperature. It is because of:
- External skin provides protection
- There are decreased risks of sprouting or germ penetrations.
Guess what? It takes almost 7-10 days for a whole onion to decay at room temperature.
- Refrigerator
Refrigerators provide the perfect environment and decreased temperature. For the whole onion, the protection is even stronger. Therefore, the shelf life is high, reaching 1-2 months.
Peeled or cut onion
Peeled onion is more vulnerable to decay. Small microorganisms kill the nutrients and feed on them. Therefore, the peeled onion can’t survive for a week at room temperature.
Let’s discuss the different aspects of storage life.
- Room temperature
When the onion is peeled, it is most vulnerable to decay. Keep it one to two days and you’ll see the results. Fungus, algae, and moisture combine and destroy the onion at room temperature. So, the shelf life is 2 days at maximum.
- Refrigerator
The refrigerator is good at storing the onions for extended periods. But you have to adjust the temperature. Cut or peeled onions can survive for a week in the refrigerator.
- Freezer
The freezer keeps the temperature below 0°C. The result is preservation for extended periods. The storage period jumps to many months. It takes 8-10 months.
| Onion Type | State | Room Temperature | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Yellow Onions | Whole | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 10-12 months |
| Cut | 1-2 days | 7-10 days | 6-8 months | |
| Red Onions | Whole | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 10-12 months |
| Cut | 1-2 days | 7-10 days | 6-8 months | |
| White Onions | Whole | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 10-12 months |
| Cut | 1-2 days | 7-10 days | 6-8 months | |
| Sweet Onions | Whole | 2-4 weeks | 1 month | 10-12 months |
| Cut | 1-2 days | 7-10 days | 6-8 months | |
| Green Onions | Whole | 1-2 days | 1-2 weeks | 10-12 months |
| Cut | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | 10-12 months |
Best methods to store onion
First, define what type of onion you store for a better shelf. If it is the whole onion, the shelf life is better than that of the cut onion, whether the method is a freezer or refrigerator.
We have added the best method: storing whole or cut onions.
Storing whole onions
Storing the whole onion is impactful as it has a longer shelf life. You can store it for one week without decay, even without proper storage. Let’s discuss the best methods and tips to enhance the longevity of whole onions.
- Cool and dark-ventilated place
Cool and dark-ventilated places provide the optimal temperature. Think of a perfect room temperature of 7-15°C. Proper ventilation can provide the passage of air and avoid decaying. Plus, it ensures the darkness of the place. The sunlight can speed up the decaying process and cause sprouting of the greens from the surface.
- Avoid moisture
Moisture provides the perfect environment for growth. Sprouting is prompt with humidity, which causes concerns for the storage centers. As an expert, you must keep your onions in a dry place. Avoid contact with water; otherwise, onions get spoiled.
- Proper wrapping
Wrapping comes with tons of benefits. It avoids moisture contact. It provides an alternative environment for safety and gives an extra protection layer when the onions are stored in refrigerators or freezers. First of all, opt for the quality bags for the wrapping. Paper towels are a good choice. Crisper drawers are also the prime options for the proper packaging.
Storing cut onions
Cut onions are quick to decay and sprout. It is external environmental exposure that caused this early event.
You can come up with the power-packed solutions like:
- Airtight container
Are you storing the cut onions in the refrigerator? An airtight seal is the best idea. It doesn’t let the aroma fade away in the whole refrigerator. Moreover, it works as a better protective layer, avoiding the sprouting phenomenon. You can efficiently extend the life of freshly cut onions with airtight seals.
- Use freezing options
Nothing is better than putting your onions in a freezer. Below zero degrees provides the optimal temperature for the onion freshness. It avoids the organisms or algae. Also, it prevents the other cases of Onion damage. Please rely on the freezing temperature at its best levels.
Storing cooked onions
Elevating the shelf life of cooked onions is another hassle. It is because you can’t extend their lives for many months as you do with the cut or uncooked onions. The following tips can help make them a long-lasting choice.
- Use airtight container
Airtight containers are good enough for the cooked onion likewise. They offer the ideal environment for onion safety. Plus, they ensure your onions remain free of any chemicals or organisms.
- Try freezing temperature
Freezing temperature is also the favorite choice for cooked onions. It provides the optimal temperature for the storage. You can enhance the lifespan.
Conclusion
For optimal storage purposes, you must dig up all the possible methods. You can opt for the proper storage method depending on the required longevity.
There is another method— find fresh and quality onions. Where do you get it?
FENDUNI garlic suppliers are the best solutions for the onions. The diverse production and quality onions are there for the best tastes. Dig out the premium onions and settle your needs right away!