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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Store onions in one place to keep them fresh and not mouldy 'for up to a year'
Although refrigerating onions may seem like the best way to keep them fresh, food storage experts have warned against this widely accepted method, instead suggesting an unusual hack While many of us think nothing of popping our onions in the fridge, a food expert has revealed a better way to keep them fresh that most people don't know about, and it could keep the mould at bay "for up to a year". Although it certainly seems like common sense to chuck all your veggies in the fridge, especially as the weather heats up in the summer, surprisingly, this actually isn't the best place for onions and garlic. Indeed, storing onions in the fridge exposes them to moisture and cold, which turns the starch in an onion into sugar, causing them to go soft and off. Therefore, experts advise keeping onions out of direct sunlight and in a cool, but not freezing, area with good air circulation. It comes after UK households issued warning if they have Nescafé coffee in kitchen. Recipe whizz Sarah Jampel says she keeps her onions in a cupboard with baking dishes but dreams of one day storing them in crates in a garage or cellar, reports the Express. She also warns against keeping onions near potatoes, as being close can cause the spuds to rot. Meanwhile, Shop Food Waste advises taking onions out of the plastic bags they came in, as trapped moisture can cause them to go bad. Instead, they suggest using a net or mesh bag for better airflow, or a perforated basket or bin. If you're short on these items, an old pair of tights can be given a new lease of life. Simply pop the onions into one leg, tie a knot above each one, and repeat until the leg is full. This method allows the tights to be easily hung up for storage. Onions can stay fresh for up to a year if kept at temperatures between -1 and 10 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, they will generally remain fresh for a few weeks. However, not all types of onions or alliums should be stored in the same manner. For instance, spring onions, sweet onions, leeks, garlic, and chives should be kept in the fridge. Savvy experts suggest unbundling anything that comes in a bunch, such as spring onions, wrapping them in a damp paper towel, and then placing them in a bag or airtight container to maintain optimal freshness.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Don't store onions in fridge says expert who has shared 'correct' way
Onions can actually last up to six months if stored correctly - and it's a very simple fix. It's one of the most common household ingredients that adds to numerous classic dishes. From a hearty plate of Spaghetti Bolognese to the home comforts of a curry, onions can deliver a much-needed dimension. Onions can easily last up to six months if they are stored correctly. However, the problem is that many people are unaware to store them properly, which can lead to speeding up the spoiling process of this vegetable. Experts have issued a warning against storing onions in the fridge as reported by the Express, despite many of us naturally doing so, as the cold and humid environment triggers the conversion of starch into sugar, resulting in soggy and soft onions over time. It is instead recommended that onions are stored in a dark, cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. While a kitchen cupboard may seem ideal, it's essential to ensure it's not near the oven. This is because fluctuating temperatures can create a warm and moist environment, leading to the same spoilage issue as the fridge. For this reason, a cupboard far from the oven is the best choice. However, the prime location for onion storage is either in a garage or cellar if that's an option for you. In addition to finding a cool, dry spot, onions should be protected from direct sunlight, as the resulting heat can stimulate mould growth. But it's not just where you store your onions, but how. If you buy onions from a supermarket wrapped in a plastic bag, it's crucial to discard this before storing them. The experts at Shop Food Waste shared their best advice and top tips. They said: "Never keep these items in sealed plastic as it will quickly cause spoilage." Plastic bags trap moisture, promoting mould growth. Instead, you should "keep onions and garlic in a basket or paper bag where air can circulate". When properly stored, "onions and garlic can last up to three to six months". You should opt for a net or mesh bag when storing your onions, as it beats plastic any day by promoting essential airflow. No net bag? Not the end of the world. You can grab an old pair of tights as a handy alternative, saving you costs and re-using garments at the same time. You simply just need to place the onions in one leg, tie a knot above them, and repeat until you have filled the tight's leg and you're good to go. One key thing to remember is that onions should live a solitary life away from other produce when stored. They are notorious for soaking up moisture and could hasten decay among your fruits and veggies. On top of that, their pungent scent tends to permeate neighbouring foods, leaving them tasting suspiciously oniony.
