When cooking, it can quickly happen that a cut onion is left over, which you now have to keep. To ensure that your cut onion stays fresh for a long time, you should pay attention to a few things and learn how to store cut onions properly.
How to Store Sliced Onions
Cut onions must always be stored properly, as the cut surface is not only susceptible to bacteria but can also promote mold growth. So that you can store your onion properly and then eat it without hesitation, you should pay attention to the following things:
- Basically, the shelf life of the onion depends on its variety. However, this information cannot be transferred to cut onions.
- You should never store cut onions at room temperature, but always put them in the fridge. The room temperature favors the growth of bacteria, which means that the onion spoils and becomes inedible more quickly.
- To store the onion, wrap it in plastic wrap to keep the air out. This also allows the onion to retain its moisture. If you have smaller pieces of an onion left over, you can put them in a resealable plastic bag.
- You can keep the cut onion in the refrigerator for about five days.
Tips for Storing Sliced Onions
Alternatively, you can freeze your leftover onions. To do this, you should cut your onion into small cubes, as the pieces can then be better processed for cooking.
- Place the diced onions in an airtight, resealable plastic bag. Label the bag with the date you will place it in the freezer.
- You can store the frozen onion pieces in your freezer for about eight months at the same temperature.
- Another tip: You can also store your sliced onion in an airtight plastic container, which is also suitable for refrigeration.
- Never wrap the onion in aluminum foil as the aluminum may transfer to the onion.
- In addition, you should never put the onion in a bowl of water, as this only allows more bacteria to form.
How Long Do Onions Keep?
The shelf life depends on the onion variety. Onions that are harvested in spring or summer don’t store as well as onions of other varieties.
- Sliced onions can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Uncut onions can keep for months in a dark, dry, cool place.
- Onions can be frozen for up to a year.
Can Onions Freeze?
Yes, you can freeze onions. Due to their consistency, however, these are only suitable for cooking, roasting, or baking. Onions should not be frozen whole, as they are then more difficult to process after thawing.
Unlike many other vegetables, onions do not necessarily have to be blanched before freezing. The best way to freeze the onion is to cut it into rings. When storing in the freezer, be sure to label the freezer bag or container with the freezing date so you know how long the onions will last. Frozen onions can be preserved for up to 12 months at the same temperature.
When Are Onions Bad?
You can recognize an onion that is still fresh by the fact that it is plump, firm, and dry. If the onion has become mushy or smells bad, it should no longer be eaten. Dark spots on the upper skin or in the lower layers also indicate rot and mold.