How one can Retailer Onions to Hold Them Recent

I take advantage of onions nearly every single day—be it for thrown-together pantry pastas, my go-to Brussels sprout salad (it is acquired the most effective crunch), or the bottom for some form of saucy-stewy braise.

Naturally, I have a tendency to purchase lots of onions without delay, so storing them the proper manner (in order that they final so long as doable) is vital. As a result of there’s nothing worse than a mushy-moldy onion that is not usable.

In the event you, too, hate losing meals, then you definitely’ve come to the proper place. Here is how you can retailer onions each which manner—whether or not you simply picked them up from the shop or already sliced and diced them.

When storing entire, unpeeled bulb onions, there are some things to remember. First issues first: Hold them in a spot that is cool, darkish, and dry. Air flow can be vital—should you do not preserve them in a spot the place they’ll get numerous air circulation, you will reduce down their shelf life (that is why preserving them entire in zip-top luggage or hermetic containers is not perfect).

You possibly can retailer them in containers with air holes, breathable mesh luggage, and even pantyhose (sure, severely). Here is how, in accordance with our former editor, Lindsay-Jean Onerous: “Take a pair of [clean] pantyhose, drop an onion down into the toe, and tie a knot above it.” Repeat that course of along with your remaining onions and cling it in a cool, darkish cupboard. “There isn’t any higher solution to maximize airflow round your onions whereas concurrently preserving them separated and moisture-free. Everytime you want​ an onion, merely snip one off.”

Whereas it isn’t really helpful to retailer entire, unpeeled onions within the fridge (they’re going to take up moisture and grow to be mushy extra shortly that manner), it’s best to completely retailer them within the fridge if they’re peeled, reduce in half, or sliced.

Retailer peeled, halved, and sliced onions in hermetic glass containers (plastic might take up their scent) within the fridge; peeled onions will final about two weeks this manner, and sliced onions will final for every week to 10 days. Cooked onions also needs to be saved within the fridge (hermetic containers once more, for the win) for 3 to 5 days.

One other helpful trick for storing onions? Use your freezer!

You need not do a lot: Merely put uncooked, sliced onions right into a freezer-safe zip-top bag, squeeze out as a lot air as doable, and pop it within the freezer; if you wish to preserve them from sticking, unfold them out on a sheet-pan or shallow baking dish and freeze them for one to 2 hours earlier than transferring to a container. They’re going to final in there for six months or extra.

Whereas we would not suggest utilizing your defrosted uncooked onions in dishes the place they’re going to go raw (like guac or salads), they’re going to make an A+ addition to stews, braises, and sauces. You may additionally need to keep away from utilizing this bunch for caramelizing, too, as they’ll grow to be a bit watery after a stint within the freezer.

You can, nevertheless, make caramelized onions from a freshly reduce onion and freeze these; preserve your frozen caramelized onions in ice dice trays, muffin tins, zip-top luggage, or an hermetic container. Mainly, the world is your onion.