Storing Onions Made Easy: How to Store Onions Properly

Onions are bulbous vegetables from the genus Allium. They are known for their pungent, somewhat tart, spicy flavor, which makes them a favored ingredient in many world cuisines.

Four types of onions dominate world consumption.

1. 1. Red onions: Also called purple onions, this species is notably pungent when eaten raw. It is a popular ingredient in stir-fries and salads.
2. 2. Yellow onions: Also called brown onions and sweet onions, these have a higher sugar content than red onions and feature many varieties, such as Bermuda onions, Vidalia onions, and Walla Walla onions.
3. 3. White onions: The mildest of the common onions, these often appear in Mexican cuisine—particularly in salsas or diced atop tacos.
4. 4. Shallots: Shallots look like shrunken versions of yellow onions, although they are slightly milder in flavor. They often appear in soups and stir-fries.

Scallions (also known as green onions), chives, leeks, and spring onions also come from genus Allium, but they are less closely related to bulb onion species like red, white, and yellow onions. Scallions and similar onion types are known for their green stalks, which are considered more flavorful than their small bulbs.

There are several ways to keep onions for both short-term and long-term storage.

1. 1. In a cool, dry place: The best way to store onions for long periods of time is to keep them in a cool, dry room or closet, out of the reach of sunlight. Make sure the storage space has proper air circulation and no sources of excess moisture. This is quite similar to the best way to store potatoes. When onions get moist, they start sprouting or start to rot. If you keep onions in a cool, dry, dark place, you can expect a two-to-three month shelf life.
2. 2. In the refrigerator: The refrigerator can be a good option for sweet whole onions (like Vidalia onions), chopped onions, or sliced onions. Expect a seven-to-ten day shelf life for refrigerated onions.
3. 3. In the freezer: Whole onions do not keep well in the freezer, but diced onions, cut onions, and caramelized onions can last up to six months if stored in freezer-grade food storage bags or airtight containers. Make sure you remove all excess moisture before you freeze onions, and squeeze all the air out of their storage container or freezer bag.
4. 4. On a shelf: Whole onions on the countertop or in an open basket can reliably last one to two weeks from when they're brought home from the grocery store. To avoid premature spoilage, keep them at room temperature or below, and never store them in plastic bags or plastic wrap, which trap too much excess moisture. A mesh bag or paper bag works well.

Onions fit into a vast range of recipes. Consider the most popular ways to use them.

1. 1. In sandwiches: Thinly sliced raw onions add an extra kick to sandwiches.
2. 2. On pizza: All varieties of onion complement pizzas well.
3. 3. In stews and casseroles: Chopped, cooked onions frequently find their way into stews and casseroles. This includes European, East Asian, South Asian, and Latin American cuisine.
4. 4. In salsa: Raw onions play a crucial role in fresh Mexican salsa. Chopped, cooked onions are a key ingredient in bottled salsa.
5. 5. In stir-fries: Frying onions gives them a sweeter, milder flavor. Include fried onions in a Thai stir-fry, a Mexican fajita dish, or an egg scramble.
6. 6. In pasta sauce: Several pasta sauce recipes, whether tomato-based or oil-based, call for cooked onions.
7. 7. Grilled: Throw red onion wedges, whole green onions, or sliced white onions on the grill and enjoy them with a little char around the edges.

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