Many choose to store onions in the refrigerator. However, to extend their shelf life, there are much better places.
First thing to do to keep your onions for a long time: remove the onions from the plastic bag in which they were purchased. Never keep them in closed plastic, as this will quickly cause them to deteriorate. Plastic bags retain moisture, which can lead to mold growth. If you don’t have a basket or paper bag to hold the onions, a mesh or mesh bag is best because it allows better air circulation and helps reduce humidity. A perforated basket or crate is also ideal for onions.
Moisture and light promote mold and germination. So, store your guard onions (red, yellow, white as well as shallots) in a dry and well-ventilated basket, crate or large bowl. Store them out of direct sunlight in a cool, but not freezing, place with good air circulation. It’s also important to make sure they’re separate from potatoes, which tend to rot if kept close together.
If you don’t have any of the items mentioned for storing onions, you can use an old pair of pantyhose. Place the onions in one leg, tie a knot over it, then continue in the same way until the pantyhose leg is full. The same can be done for the other leg, and they are now easy to hang for storage.
As for the shelf life of onions, if stored at temperatures between -1 and 10 degrees, they will keep for up to one year. Otherwise, they will last for several weeks.
There are certain varieties of onions, or alliums, which do not store in the same way. Green onions, sweet onions, leeks, garlic and chives should be stored in the refrigerator. Anything sold in a bunch, such as green onions, should be unrolled, then wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in an airtight bag or container.
