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We eat a lot of onions during the summer. There’s nothing like a barbecue with grilled Vidalia onions [2] (so simple and so delicious) or caramelized onions [3].
I just learned something new that will free up space in my refrigerator: onions don’t need to be refrigerated. When they are kept in the refrigerator they lose their crispness and become soft. I’ve also noticed that everything stored in the same refrigerated produce bin with onions starts to acquire their smell and taste.
How to Store Onions
- Your onions should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place [4] with plenty of air circulation. A pantry or other dark, cool cabinet generally works well.
- They also like to stay in the mesh bag from the store. This bag allows for air circulation.
- Keep them out of plastic bags. When they’re kept in a plastic bag the air can’t circulate and this will shorten their storage life.
Keeping most onions out of the fridge works, but here are a few caveats:
- Cut onions DO need to be refrigerated
- Peeled onions DO need to be refrigerated
- Refrigerate sweet or mild onions [4] that have a high water content. This will extend their shelf life. Make sure to use a low humidity setting to keep them dry.
Also, them away from potatoes. The moisture and air emitted from the potatoes can cause onions to rot.
Here are a few of my favorite onion recipes for you to enjoy over the summer:
- Pan-Roasted Balsamic Cipolline Onions [5]
- Red Onion and Beet Salad
- Caramelized Onion & White Bean Flatbread
- Spicy Turkey Burgers with Pickled Onions [6] (great way to add fermented food [7] to your diet!)
What’s your favorite way to eat an onion? Do you like them raw or cooked?
Cutting onions and crying seems to go hand-in-hand for most of us. HERE [8] are a few tips for keeping those tears at bay when chopping an onion.
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