Fall-grown onions are a fantastic addition to any home garden, providing a flavorful and long-lasting harvest for winter and beyond. However, proper storage is crucial to keep onions from sprouting, rotting, or losing their quality. Follow this guide to ensure your onions remain fresh, firm, and usable for months.
1. Choosing the Right Onions for Storage
Not all onions store well, so selecting the right varieties is the first step.
Best Onion Types for Long-Term Storage:
- Yellow onions (e.g., Copra, Stuttgarter, Patterson) – Best for long storage.
- Red onions (e.g., Red Wethersfield, Red Wing) – Moderate storage lifespan.
- White onions – Shortest storage life, best for quick use.
Pro Tip: Avoid storing soft, damaged, or bruised onions, as they will rot faster and spoil the others.
2. Curing Onions Before Storage
Curing allows onions to develop a protective outer layer, helping them last longer.
How to Cure Onions:
- Harvest onions carefully – Lift them from the soil and shake off excess dirt.
- Lay them out in a well-ventilated area – Keep them in a dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Allow them to cure for 2-3 weeks – The outer skins should be dry and papery.
- Trim tops and roots – Cut off the tops to about 1 inch and remove excess roots.
Pro Tip: If rain is expected, cure onions indoors in a garage or covered porch.
3. Best Storage Conditions for Onions
For long-term storage, onions need a cool, dry, and dark environment.
Ideal Storage Conditions:
- Temperature: 32-40°F (refrigeration possible but not necessary).
- Humidity: 50-65% (too much moisture leads to rot).
- Ventilation: Essential—store onions in mesh bags, baskets, or crates.
Pro Tip: Do NOT store onions in plastic bags—they need airflow to prevent mold and rot.
4. Storage Methods for Different Situations
Depending on your available space, there are multiple ways to store onions properly.
Basement or Root Cellar Storage:
- Hang onions in mesh bags or pantyhose to allow airflow.
- Store in wooden crates or slatted baskets.
- Keep them away from potatoes (potatoes emit moisture that causes onions to spoil faster).
Kitchen or Pantry Storage:
- Store small amounts in open-weave baskets or paper bags.
- Use an onion keeper to maintain dryness.
- Avoid direct sunlight and warm areas.
Refrigerator Storage (Short-Term Only):
- Store in a mesh bag or perforated container.
- Avoid sealing onions in airtight containers, which trap moisture.
Freezing Onions:
- Chop or slice onions and store in airtight freezer bags.
- Blanching is optional but helps retain texture.
- Use within 6-8 months for best quality.
Pro Tip: Freeze pre-chopped onions in small portions for easy use in soups, stews, and stir-fries.
5. Checking for Spoilage
Even with proper storage, onions should be checked regularly for signs of spoilage.
Signs of Bad Onions:
- Soft spots or mushy texture.
- Mold or an off-putting odor.
- Green shoots sprouting (use immediately or compost).
Pro Tip: Remove any bad onions immediately to prevent them from affecting the rest.
6. Extending Storage Life with Preservation Methods
If you want to make your onions last even longer, consider these preservation methods.
Pickling Onions:
- Slice onions and soak them in a vinegar-based brine.
- Store in sterilized jars in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Dehydrating Onions:
- Slice onions thinly and dry in a food dehydrator.
- Store dried onions in an airtight jar for use in soups and sauces.
Onion Powder:
- Grind dehydrated onions into a fine powder.
- Store in an airtight spice jar and use within 1 year.
Pro Tip: Homemade onion powder has a stronger flavor than store-bought!
Colin’s Key Points
- Cure onions properly before storing to extend their shelf life.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, ideally in mesh bags or baskets.
- Check for spoilage regularly and remove any bad onions immediately.
- Avoid storing onions near potatoes, as they accelerate spoilage.
- Freeze, dehydrate, or pickle onions for even longer storage options.
