If you’ve ever consumed a raw onion, you’re likely aware of its strong and potent flavor.
But did you know that onions can also help you live longer?
The health benefits of onions are numerous and include cancer prevention, heart disease prevention, lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and even helping you lose weight.
In addition to being delicious, onions are one of the most versatile foods around.
They can be used as a garnish, a flavoring agent, a condiment, a seasoning, and more.
Also you can make Sausage-stuffed onions, Onion fritters, Pickled Onions,…
If you love eating these tasty vegetables, then you’re sure to want to learn how to properly care for them so they stay fresh for a long time.
How long do onions last in the pantry?
As with any food item, storing onions in your pantry can have an impact on how long they will last before going bad.
It’s important to understand why this happens and how to avoid it.
When you buy onions at the grocery store, they are typically sold without any packaging.
This means that they could potentially sit out in the open for several days before you get home.
And because they are exposed to air, they start to dry out very quickly.
So, when you first purchase onions, you might want to put them in a tightly-sealed container to preserve their freshness until you use them.
You can also store onions in plastic bags, which can help extend their shelf life in the refrigerator.
However, if you don’t add moisture to the bag (like by adding water) then you run into the same problem as before – the onions start to dry out.
To solve this issue, you can try using a breathable zipper storage bag instead.
How do you store onions in the pantry?
The best way to store onions in your pantry is to place them in a mesh bag or a breathable container.
You can find mesh bags at your local grocery store or online retailers like Amazon.
This type of bag allows some air circulation, but it prevents the onions from getting wet.
If you choose to use a breathable container, make sure that it has holes in it.
These allow oxygen to circulate through the container, keeping it dry and preventing mold growth.
What is the best way to keep onions fresh in the pantry?
Onions are delicate vegetables that require very little care to maintain their freshness.
When stored correctly, they can last up to two weeks in the pantry.
That said, there are a few things you can do to ensure that they stay fresh for longer periods of time.
First, make sure that you store them in a cool, dark place.
In other words, don’t put them near the stove or microwave, since heat will cause them to spoil faster.
Next, make sure that you keep them away from sunlight.
Light exposure causes the skins of the onions to turn brown and become tough.
As a result, you won’t be able to peel them easily.
Also, light exposure makes the onions susceptible to bacterial growth, which can lead to decay.
Finally, make sure that you store them in a breathable container.
This keeps them dry and prevents them from turning green and mushy.
For example, you can use a zipper storage bag or a breathable container made from nylon.
Do onions go bad if they are not refrigerated?
Even though onions are perishable, they actually have a fairly long shelf life if you store them properly.
According to the USDA, you can safely store onions in your pantry for up to two weeks.
After that point, they begin to deteriorate rapidly.
To prolong their freshness, you can wrap them in aluminum foil or place them in a zip top bag.
You can also put them in a glass jar or bowl to protect them from direct contact with air.
However, you shouldn’t submerge them in liquid because this can cause them to rot.
At what temperature do onions need to be stored in the pantry?
Because onions contain sulfur compounds, they should never be stored above 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
At this temperature, the sulfur compounds break down, causing the onions to smell bad and taste bitter.
To avoid this, keep them below 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, you should make sure that the pantry is well ventilated.
This will help prevent the buildup of odors.
How often should you check on onions stored in the pantry?
When you first buy onions, you may want to store them in a sealed plastic bag or a zip lock bag.
Then, after about a week, you can transfer them to a breathable container.
This will help them retain their freshness for much longer.
However, you shouldn’t leave onions sitting in the pantry for months at a time.
Once you notice that the onions have started to dry out, you should discard them immediately.
Is it okay to eat onions that have been stored in the pantry for a while?
Yes!
There’s no reason to throw out perfectly good onions just because they’ve sat in your pantry for a while.
Just make sure that you store them in a breathable container and that they are still edible.
If you don’t see any signs of decay, then you can enjoy them.
If you plan to serve them raw, you can simply slice them thinly and drizzle them with oil.
Or, if you prefer, you can sauté them with garlic, salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
What are the signs that an onion has gone bad?
There are a couple of telltale signs that your onions have spoiled.
First, they will appear soft and mushy.
Additionally, the skin will look yellow and brittle.
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to toss them out.
What do you do with onions that have gone bad?
If you discover that your onions have gone bad, you have a few options.
First, you can cook them. You can either roast them or boil them.
Second, you can chop them up and add them to salads or sandwiches.
Third, you can dice them and fry them for snacks.
Hawaiian pickled onions
Equipment
- 1 jar
Ingredients
- 10 ounces small onions
- Crushed red pepper
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon Hawaiian salt
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Properly core a bell pepper.
- Slice the bell pepper into strips.
- Make the strips as thin as ¼ of an inch.
- Put the onions and bell pepper strips into an airtight glass jar.
- Cover the jar tightly and put it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Shake the jar occasionally.
- Enjoy the Hawaiian pickled onions.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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