Onions are one of the root vegetables with a high water content, making them more susceptible to mold and rot over time. To preserve onions longer, freezing them can significantly shorten cooking times.

Onion Storage: Refrigeration

Extending the Shelf Life of Refrigerated Onions

Vegetarians say there are two simple tips to extend the shelf life of refrigerated onions.

The first tip is to avoid peeling the thin skin of the onion. This helps maintain the moisture balance within the onion. However, if part of the skin becomes damp or moldy, remove it immediately to prevent further damage or rot.

The second tip is to avoid storing onions in the vegetable compartment. Instead, store them in the refrigerator at a lower temperature.

Following the refrigeration instructions below, onions will keep for about 10 days. For longer storage, freeze them instead.

Refrigeration Instructions

Step 1: Gently wipe the onion clean with a dry cloth or paper towel. Do not use water.

Step 2: Wrap the entire onion with paper towels and place it in a freezer-safe bag (a ziplock bag is preferred). Remove as much air as possible from the bag, seal the bag, and store in the refrigerator.

Onion Storage Method: Freezing

The vegetable chef explains that onions can be frozen whole or cut and then frozen. They can be cooked directly without thawing. Freezing disrupts the cell walls of onions, shortening cooking time.

Following the freezing instructions below, onions can be stored for about one month.

Freezing Instructions

Step 1: Peel the onion and cut, slice, or dice it as desired. You can also freeze it whole without cutting.

Step 2: Place the onion flat in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, remove as much air as possible, seal the bag, and store in the freezer.