Store Your Onions Here: They'll Last for Months

Onions are a kitchen staple, but they have one major downside: they spoil quickly. Luckily, there's a simple trick and the right storage spot to help them last for months.

As the fall season arrives, so does the craving for comforting, slow cooked meals. Many of these traditional recipes call for a staple ingredient: onions. Whether white, yellow, or red, sliced or diced, onions are a must have in dishes like soups, stews, and more. But despite their culinary versatility, onions don't always last as long as we'd like. Just a few weeks, or even days, after buying them, they can sprout, soften, turn black, or grow mold, often ending up in the trash.

The culprits? Humidity and cold. Many people think storing onions in the fridge is a good idea, but it's actually a common mistake. The fridge's moist environment speeds up softening, ruining your onions in no time. Cold temperatures also trigger faster spoilage. So where should you keep them to extend their shelf life?

The key is in three simple words: dry, cool, and ventilated. When stored in the right conditions, onions can last up to six months! Instead of the fridge, consider using an old-fashioned pantry with airflow, a dark cabinet, a basement, or even a garage with proper ventilation. These spots allow for air circulation, a stable temperature, and, most importantly, dryness.

And don't forget the right storage method! Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture. Instead, use mesh bags or netting to let the air flow. If you don't have those, a dry bowl on your countertop works for short term storage.

Another tip: Keep your onions away from potatoes. Potatoes emit ethylene gas (it smells sweet and musky) which causes onions to sprout faster. However, garlic can be stored with onions without any issues because neither garlic nor onions emit ethylene gas.

Other ways to help your onions last longer, check on them regularly and remove any that are starting to sprout of soften to prevent them spoiling others. If you don't use a whole onion, store any cut onions in an airtight container in the fridge. If you find yourself with too many ripe onions, consider chopping them and freezing them so you can use them when convenient.