When to Refrigerate Onions and When Not To

 

Common sense says that cold slows decay so we stash every fresh produce in the refrigerator.

But onions do not agree with our common sense. They do not like being in the fridge or cold conditions as such exposure turns them soft, soggy, and sometimes even moldy.

If onions could speak, they would say, “Let us be in the pantry.”

You Should Not Refrigerate Fresh Uncut Onions

Cold Triggers Sweetness and Spoilage

Onion cells are always at work, using oxygen and sugar to keep themselves alive or in simpler terms, to stay in a healthy, functional state.

When refrigerated, onions start utilizing their starch reserves by converting them into sugar for survival. But the sugar present in onions tends to draw in moisture from the environment, which gradually softens their texture.

Onions go limp from a once-firm bulb in the fridge when kept inside for more than a week.

Humidity is a Hidden Enemy of Fresh Onions

It is not just about lower temperatures, refrigerators are also humid - tailor-made conditions for bacterial growth. Therefore, onions should also not be kept near the sink or in basements for the same reason.

Onions prefer dry spots. Your kitchen cupboard or a well-ventilated drawer will keep them safe from moisture exposure.

Mesh Over Plastic: Airflow Matters

Avoid wrapping them in plastic bags as well; these bags trap moisture. Store your onions in mesh bags or old nylon stockings to give easy access for air circulation.

To keep onions fresh for months, try hanging them in mesh stockings just to make sure they are stored in a cool, dry space where the temperature stays between 4°C and 10°C with low humidity.

When You Should Actually Refrigerate Onions

Refrigeration rules change as soon as you slice, chop, or cook an onion. Cut onions become prone to bacterial growth because they no longer have protective skin; keeping them in the fridge can help slow this process.

For cut onions, wrap halves tightly in cling film or foil and store them in an airtight container. Chopped onions should go into a sealed zip-lock bag to lock out moisture and odors.

When stored correctly in the fridge, cut onions can stay good for up to two weeks without losing too much texture or flavor.

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