Onions will stay fresh and last longer when stored in unusual spot in kitchen

If you’ve ever reached for an onion only to find it soft, sprouting, or worse, rotten, it might be time to rethink where you’re storing them. According to food hygiene expert Sarah Taylor from High Speed Training, there’s a simple trick to keeping your onions fresh and flavourful for months.

“Onions are best stored in a dry, dark place and should not be kept in the fridge,” said Taylor. Despite what many people think, the cool, moist environment inside your refrigerator can actually make onions spoil faster. The moisture causes them to become soft and mouldy, cutting their shelf life short.

Instead, aim for a well-ventilated pantry, cupboard, or even a basket on your kitchen counter, just as long as it’s away from sunlight and humidity.

And when you bring onions home from the store, take them out of their plastic packaging. Letting air circulate around them helps prevent moisture buildup, which is one of the biggest culprits behind spoilage.

Another tip is store your onions away from potatoes. “Keep them separate,” Taylor advised. “The two together may impact the lifespan of both items.” 

That’s because potatoes release moisture and gases that can cause onions to break down faster and vice versa.

If you’ve got leftover onion, Taylor recommends sealing them in a freezer bag. You can pop them in the fridge if you plan to use them soon, or store them in the freezer for longer-term use without sacrificing flavour.

With just a few tweaks to your storage habits, you can make your onions last for weeks, if not months. And that means fewer grocery runs, less food waste, and more flavour at your fingertips whenever you need it.