How to Store Onions? Long-Term to Last Longer!

If you are dealing with spoilt onions in your garden, then this article is for you.

It is mentally exhausting to spend a lot of time planting your onions and then have to deal with spoilage and waste. Most times, this is caused by improper storage techniques. Beginner gardeners struggle with this a lot. But that is all about to end.

Understanding how to store onions can significantly extend their shelf life, allowing you to enjoy their pungent aroma and taste throughout the year.

In this article, I will guide you on the effective techniques for storing onions, including the ideal conditions for them. Ensure you follow through this article to find out what you need to do to preserve your onions.

Why is it important to Store Onions?

Before we delve into the various storage techniques for preserving your onions, here are the important reasons to store onions.

When you properly store your onions, it extends their shelf life, preventing them from sprouting or rotting quickly. With this, you can keep them fresh for several months;
Since proper storage prevents your onions from rotting, it also reduces wastage and ensures you have a constant supply of onions in your kitchen – for meals and other purposes;
By storing onions in the right conditions, you help preserve their unique flavor. It also protects their texture. You don’t want your onions to become mushy. Therefore subject it to the right condition;
The cost-effectiveness of storing onions in bulk cannot be overestimated. Harvesting onions in bulk during harvest season is cheaper. When you store them properly, it helps you to avoid the high cost of getting fresh onions off-season.

How To Store Onions

Onions love a cool and dry environment. Therefore, if you want to preserve your onions for a long time, it is important to keep this information at the back of your mind. THIS is why a lot of people struggle with onion waste and decay.

When I had a problem with the decay of my onions, it led me to this important discovery. Onions need about 45 – 55 degrees(F). Most people’s homes aren’t that chilled. This is why it is important to create that environment for your onions. Most times, I use my garage and basement.

A Few Tips You Should Take Note Of

Avoid exposing your onion to sunlight. This might lead to sprouting, which makes it less flavourful. Keep your onions in a dark room;
Don’t place your whole onions in the refrigerator or freezer WITHOUT an air-tight container or bag. Onions love the cool temperature but react badly to moisture. A cool, dry environment is all you need.

Storage Methods for Different Processing Stages

Onions are used and processed in different ways. Now, there are unique storage methods for each stage, which you need to know. Read on to find out more.

When your onion is peeled, you can store it in the refrigerator. This protects it from bacteria infection and preserves its flavor and texture. Before doing that, ensure you place it in an air-tight container to prevent exposure to moisture. It can last 10 – 14 days;
If your onion is sliced, it’s okay to store it in the fridge. It can last up to 10 days. Keep your onions in a reusable bag or slightly wrap them with a plastic wrap. For me, I preserve my sliced onions much longer by placing them in the freezer. That way, they can last up to 6 months;
Pickling is a cost-effective method of storing your onions for a long time. When rightly done, it can preserve your onions for up to 3 months. All you need is to place your sliced onions in a ceramic jar that’s filled with vinegar and a combo of salt, sugar and any spices of your choosing. This hinders the growth of bacteria that spoil vegetables.