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Onions, a staple in many dishes from spaghetti bolognese to chicken tikka masala, can last up to six months if stored correctly.
However, improper storage can lead to quick spoilage.
Experts advise against storing onions in the fridge as the cold and humid environment triggers the conversion of starch into sugar, resulting in soggy and soft onions over time.
Instead, onions should be kept in a dark, cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
While a kitchen cupboard might seem ideal, it’s crucial to ensure it’s not near the oven as fluctuating temperatures can create a warm and moist environment, leading to the same spoilage problem as the fridge.
A cupboard distant from your oven is acceptable, but the optimal location for onion storage is in a garage – or a cellar should you possess one.
In addition to finding a cool, dry region, onions should be shielded from direct sunlight, as the resulting heat can stimulate mould growth.
Moreover, the manner in which you store your onions rivals the significance of their location.
If you purchase onions from a supermarket encased in a plastic bag, it’s important o discard this before storing them, reports the Mirror.
The professionals at Shop Food Waste advised: “Never keep these items in sealed plastic as it will quickly cause spoilage.”
Plastic bags foster the encasing of moisture, fostering mould growth. Instead, you ought to “keep onions and garlic in a basket or paper bag where air can circulate”.
If stored accordingly, “onions and garlic can last up to three to six months”.
If you decide to confine your onions, employing a net or mesh bag is advisable as they support ample airflow, superior to their plastic counterparts. If you’re lacking these however, an old pair of tights will suffice.
Simply position the onions into one leg and fashion a knot above it, then proceed similarly upwards until the leg of the tight is full.
Finally, it’s crucial not to store your onions with any other produce. Onions have a tendency to absorb moisture from other fruits and vegetables, which can lead to quicker spoilage.
Moreover, due to their strong aroma, storing them with other produce may result in those items adopting an onion-like smell and taste.
