How to store onions so they don't rot: the best ways

Onions are a versatile vegetable whose pungent flavor adds spice to any dish, and whose nutrients make them indispensable in the diet. To have fresh onions on hand throughout the winter, it is important to know how to store them properly.

OBOZ.UA offers to learn the secrets of long-term storage of onions. In particular, one of the most important factors that affects the keeping quality of onions is their variety. It is also important to pay attention to how the onions were grown. For example, onions grown from seedlings are better stored than those grown from seeds.

Winter varieties also have an advantage over spring varieties, which makes them more reliable for winter stocks.

Proper preparation for storage begins at the harvest stage. Onions should be harvested in dry weather when they are ripe, usually in July or early August. After harvesting, it is important to dry the bulbs thoroughly: first in the sun for 1-2 days, and then in a ventilated place for a week. Before storing them, trim the feathers and sort out any damaged bulbs to avoid rotting.

What to store onions in

Various options are suitable for storage at home, from wicker baskets and textile bags to wooden boxes and nylon stockings. It is important to ensure air access, so storage in plastic bags is not recommended - they form condensation that provokes rotting.

Bad neighbors for onions

The temperature in the storage area should range from 7 to 13 °C, and the humidity should not exceed 70%. If you plan to store large quantities of onions in the basement, make sure that they are not placed next to vegetables that require high humidity, such as beets or potatoes. Excessive moisture can lead to sprouting and spoilage of the bulbs.

Refrigerator and balcony

You can use a refrigerator to store small quantities of food, with a separate drawer for vegetables. However, the refrigerator will only hold a limited amount - only a few kilograms. It is important to make sure that the container is dry before putting it in.

Onions can also be stored on an insulated balcony, but it is important to control the temperature so that they do not freeze or overheat. In severe frosts, you can additionally wrap the vegetables in a blanket to keep them warm.

Another convenient way is freezing. Diced or ringed onions can be put into bags and frozen for later use in soups or other dishes. It is important to leave some free space in the bag to allow for possible expansion during freezing.

The attic of the house is also suitable for storage if the temperature is between 0-2 °C. Here, the bulbs can be hung in bunches or placed in baskets and boxes to provide ventilation.

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