Gaby
If your onion bulbs spoiled faster than you expected, chances are you stored them incorrectly.
For instance, you might have put your favorite vegetable in the fridge, only to find it turned into a mushy mess shortly after. This happens because low temperatures accelerate the conversion of starches into sugars, causing the onion to become soft and mushy.
“Whole onions should not be stored in the refrigerator. They quickly absorb moisture and become soft,” says Merissa Alink, a well-known American blogger, nutrition expert, and author of the book “Living in a Small House.”
Instead, Ms. Alink recommends placing onions in a dark, well-ventilated area, such as a pantry or drawer. However, the pantry shouldn’t be too warm, as the vegetable will sprout quickly.
How to Prevent Onions from Spoiling Quickly?
Onions, like most fruits and vegetables, are still alive when we eat them. This means their cells continue to breathe, consuming oxygen and sugar to produce energy, which significantly affects the vegetable’s shelf life.
When onions are chilled, they start converting their starch reserves into sugar to provide energy for the plant. The same thing happens with carrots, which become much sweeter and softer after being stored in the refrigerator.
On the other hand, when onions warm up, they begin to use up their sugar reserves and push up green shoots. Those shoots are edible, but the onion’s texture and flavor will suffer.
The Humidity Factor
You shouldn’t store onions in the refrigerator not only because of the cold but also because the fridge’s higher humidity can promote rot.
Ms. Alink advises: “Store onions in a dry place where moisture cannot penetrate. Don’t keep onions under the sink or in a damp basement.”
She also warns against keeping onions in the plastic bags they’re often sold in. Those bags trap moisture and make the onions rot faster.
What’s the Solution?
The best way to store onions is in a container that allows for maximum air circulation. A Daily Mail report cites researchers at Iowa State University who recommend: “Place onions in a mesh bag, an old nylon stocking, a wire basket, or a crate.”
Keeping onions in nylon stockings or tights is an old, tried-and-true method. Fill the stocking with onions and tie it off. If you can hang the stocking so the onions get air circulation, even better.
What About Chopped Onions?
Chopped or peeled onions should be kept in the refrigerator, where they can last about two weeks at the right temperature.
Merissa Alink noted: “Chopped, minced, and cooked onions should always be stored in the refrigerator. They are not suitable for pantry storage.”
Unlike whole onions, chopped onions need to be wrapped tightly in an airtight material to prevent them from spoiling.
Because moisture can build up quickly inside the confined space of a fridge, delicate fruits and vegetables generally do better in airtight containers.
“A halved onion should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container, while chopped onions should be placed in a zip-top plastic bag,” explained Ms. Alink.
