How long onions last depends on how they are stored. If the conditions are not optimal, the onions will sprout or even rot. In both cases, the tubers are no longer suitable for consumption and must be disposed of.
How long do onions last if stored properly?
Depending on storage conditions, onions last for one to two weeks in the kitchen or up to six months in optimal storage. A dark, cool and dry place as well as the right type of onion are important. Cut onions should be stored in the refrigerator and used quickly.
Storing onions
Onions are used almost every day in the kitchen. So store them within easy reach, in a bucket under the sink, in a basket on the cupboard or on the countertop. Stored in this way, the tubers' shelf life is limited to one to two weeks. Due to the climate prevailing in the kitchen, the onions begin to sprout quickly, and in the worst case scenario, they rot.
If you always buy a small amount of onions, they will certainly not spoil in the kitchen, but large amounts of onions have to be stored in a different way. Sliced onions are stored in a can in the refrigerator and used as quickly as possible. They should never be wrapped in aluminum foil as the metallic taste and even traces of aluminum can penetrate the onion.
Store the onion harvest properly
If the onion harvest was good, you would like to store them until winter or longer. If the conditions are met, the onions will last for up to six months. The storage life depends on various criteria:
- on the one hand from the onion variety
- on the other hand, whether they are spring or winter onions
Onion varieties with a higher sulfur content produce more tears when cutting, but also have a longer shelf life. The onion cultivated in the cold months can be stored longer than the summer onion. Summer onions are best eaten promptly.
Tips for buying onions
Not everyone has a garden and grows their own onions. The onions are usually bought in stores for everyday use and storage.
If you want to store onions for a longer period of time, various factors must be taken into account when purchasing them. The onions should be plump, firm and dry. They must not have green shoots. A wrinkled, stained bowl indicates inferior goods. If the onion is mushy or smells musty, it is no longer suitable for consumption.
After purchase, the onions are removed from their container and stored in an airy basket or box in the dark. It is allowed not be too humid at the storage location. If the humidity rises above 70%, there is a risk of mold formation.
