Onions are one of the most widely used ingredients in the kitchen, forming the base of countless dishes and recipes. Whether you buy them individually or in larger quantities, knowing how to store onions correctly can help preserve their flavour and quality while reducing unnecessary food waste.
The basic rule for storing whole onions is simple: keep them somewhere cool, dry, dark and well ventilated. Exposure to moisture can encourage onions to soften or spoil, while direct sunlight and excessive heat can also affect their quality. Meaning, choosing the right container is important. Plastic bags aren’t generally suitable for storing whole onions because they can restrict airflow and trap moisture. Instead, consider using a mesh bag, wire basket or another ventilated container. Allowing air to circulate around the onions can help keep them dry and in better condition for longer.
Another traditional storage method is braiding. If onions have been harvested with their tops still attached, the dried leaves can be braided or tied together before the onions are hung in a suitable location. This keeps them off worktops and shelves while allowing plenty of air to circulate around each bulb.
For larger quantities, an onion rack can be particularly useful. Slatted or ventilated shelving provides plenty of space and airflow, making it easier to store and inspect onions. It’s also worth checking stored onions regularly and removing any that are beginning to soften or spoil.
The refrigerator can be useful too, although it is generally better suited to peeled, cut or prepared onions rather than whole, unpeeled ones. Once an onion has been cut, it should be kept covered or in a sealed container in the fridge and used within a few days.
Freezing is another option if you have more onions than you are likely to use. Onions can be peeled, chopped or sliced before being placed into suitable freezer containers or bags. Their texture may change after freezing, so they are generally better suited to cooked dishes rather than salads or other recipes where a crisp texture is important.
Ultimately, getting more from your onions doesn’t require complicated storage methods. A little attention to airflow, temperature and moisture can help maintain their quality, reduce waste and ensure you have onions ready whenever a recipe calls for them.
M&P Engineering has been manufacturing food production, preparation and filling equipment for many years and offers a range of equipment including Onion Peeling Machines.
M&P Engineering’s Large Onion Peeling Machine uses a dry peeling process, resulting in no waste slurry. It can peel, top and tail onions with diameters between 45mm and 115mm using its self-adjusting floating knife assemblies. The peeler uses compressed air to remove the skin, resulting in optimum end-product appearance.
M&P Engineering also have available a range of freshcut machinery, including the Carousel Grid Cutting Machine and the Radish Top & Tailer.
If you would like to find out more information about our products, speak to a member of the team on +44 (0)161 872 8378 or contact us here.