How Long Do Onions Last (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 2 to 3 Months

Onions are known to be a staple ingredient in any kitchen and household. They are used while cooking a variety of dishes and even makeup bases for dishes and more wholesome tastes and flavors to any and almost all dishes. They can be used as dressings, whole ingredients, or even garnishes.

There is no doubt that unions play a vital role in the kitchen, but this being a food item is perishable and thus has a limited shelf life, beyond which it cannot be consumed. Finding the perfect way to store onions is of utmost importance to maintain their flavor and texture.

How Long Do Onions Last?

Onions although very useful in the kitchen and otherwise are perishable, that is why they require to be stored appropriately to last for a good amount of time It all starts with storage conditions. After purchasing the onions from the store keep all whole raw onions in a dry and dark area. If whole raw onions are kept in cool temperatures and dark areas, they will last anywhere from 2 to 3 months. This applies to temperatures of around 45-55° F; warmer than the refrigerator, but colder than normal room temperature.

If this is not possible, refrigeration is another option that can be looked at. Even in the refrigerator, properly stored, they will last about 3 months. There are other ways of prolonging the shelf life of onion. This can be done by another storage method. Storing onions in a loosely covered paper or mesh bag or basket, to allow air circulation in and around the onion pack.

Storing onions in plastic bags can drastically reduce the shelf life of onions, this is due to the lack of air or oxygen present. Potatoes and onions tend to have chemical reactions which lead to early or fast spoilage of onions if kept near potatoes. All this holds only for raw whole onions, such is not the case for other forms of onions.

In the case of sliced onions, once they are chopped, they can last anywhere from a week to 10 days in the refrigerator. This is only when they are stored in air-tight containers. Cooked onions can remain consumable in the fridge for 3 to 5 days and in the freezer for even up to 12 months. This is they are properly stored.

Why Do Onions Last That Long?

Onions have a place in the Allium family of plants, which incorporates chives, garlic, and leeks. These vegetables have characteristic impactful flavors and a few therapeutic properties. Onions are available in different measures, shapes, colors, and flavors. The foremost common sorts are yellow, red, and white onions. The taste of these vegetables can extend from sweet and succulent to sharp, fiery, and impactful, frequently depending on the season in which they develop and are harvested.

Farmers have developed allium vegetables for centuries. Concurring to the Nourishment and Agribusiness Organization of many countries, China is the greatest producer of onions worldwide. It is common information that chopping onions cause watery eyes. Be that as it may, onions may give potential well-being benefits. These may incorporate diminishing the chance of a few sorts of cancer and keeping up skin and hair wellbeing.

Onions have a notoriety for making individuals cry amid cutting or chopping. This reaction happens due to the nearness of a gas called syn-Propanethial-S-oxide. This chemical may be a compound fluid that acts as a lachrymatory operator, meaning that it causes tears or stings the eyes. To decrease tears amid chopping is advised an onion for 30 minutes.

To freeze onions, to increase their storage time, it is important to follow certain steps. These include, first, peeling and chopping onions, followed by packing them in airtight packaging or containers. Aluminum foil and plastic can also be used while freezing the onion. These will last anywhere between 6 to 8 months.

Conclusions

Onions will last for even up to a year in certain cases, but the only id they are stored appropriately. Many people do not understand when the onion has to be discarded. The first sign is an off smell. They tend to become soft and discolored, and will develop dark patches where they have been stored. Proper storage and packing can improve the shelf life of onions by quite a bit.

References

1. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=eW_TiZ1jHCkC&oi=fnd&pg=PR5&dq=onions&ots=SICfVA1u73&sig=DDci1F6-MuNR1Kb-jT3IKNNrpPQ
2. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19996778017