Onions are versatile, but one problem with them is that once cut, they can start to spoil quickly.
That’s why it’s important to store cut onions properly in the refrigerator.
In this article, we will discuss the best way to store cut onions in the refrigerator.
We will also provide some tips on how to extend their shelf life.
How Long Do Cut Onions Last In The Refrigerator?
Once sliced or diced, onions can keep well for up to a week if stored correctly.
The key is to place them into a sealed container before setting them in your refrigerator.
An unsealed onion will not fare as well, lasting only one or two days before losing its freshness.
If you wish to prolong the storage life of your cut onions, freezing offers a great solution.
Your chopped onions can be conserved in the freezer for an impressive duration of up to six months.
It’s crucial that cut onions are always stashed away in your fridge and not left at room temperature.
The cooler environment inside the refrigerator hinders bacterial growth, thereby extending the safe usability of your onions.
How To Store Cut Onions In The Refrigerator Without Smell? (Both Half onion and Chopped Onion)
Want to learn about the secret to storing cut onions in your fridge without tainting it with that potent odor? Let’s spill the beans.
The primary way to tame that unmistakable onion smell is simply by using a sealed container or bag.
This creates a barrier, preventing the strong aroma from permeating the rest of the fridge and affecting other stored produce.
Hoping for some extra protection?
No worries!
Wrap up those sliced or chopped onions in a paper towel before placing them into your chosen container.
Not only will this provide an additional line of defense against escaping odors, but it will also absorb any excess moisture that might otherwise expedite spoilage.
How Do You Store Cut Onions In The Freezer?
Having a stash of onions ready at hand can be quite handy for impromptu cooking sessions.
Here’s how to store cut onions in the freezer for long-term use:
Start by washing your sliced or diced onions clean.
Next, gently blot away any leftover moisture using a paper towel.
It’s essential to remove excess water as this can form ice crystals and affect onion texture upon defrosting.
In case there are remainders of the pit in your onion pieces, now would be the time to remove them.
You could employ a cherry pitter, knife, or even a straw for this task.
Spread out your prepared onion pieces onto a cookie sheet, meticulously arranging them into a single layer.
Freeze this tray for several hours – this step ensures that your onion pieces don’t stick together in unmanageable clumps.
Once individually frozen, transfer these pieces into a freezer-safe plastic bag or container with a secure seal.
Don’t forget to label these with the current date so you can keep track of their age.
These prepped onions can stay fresh in your freezer for up to six months and be readily used whenever needed.
They make great additions to smoothies, pies, muffins, jams and can even serve as quick snacks.
What about thawing?
Except if mentioned otherwise in your recipe, feel free to toss those frozen bits directly into your cooking pot – no thawing required!
How To Preserve Cut Onions Without Refrigerator?
Protocols for preserving cut onions change slightly when a refrigerator isn’t available.
Here are several alternatives you can use to keep those onions fresh for as long as possible:
Dehydration
An effective method of preservation involves dehydrating your cut onions.
Start by arranging your onion slices or dices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Bake these in your oven at a low heat setting for 1-2 hours, or until the pieces dry out and turn crispy.
Let them cool before transferring into an airtight storage container.
Cold Water Soak
A short-term solution could be submerging the cut onions into a bowl of cold water.
Soaking the onions this way for several hours can help keep them fresh and free from spoilage, although it may soften their texture and dilute their potent flavor.
Pickling
As a longer-term option, pickling cut onions might be worth considering.
Create your pickling solution by adding warm water, salt, sugar, and thinly sliced onion into a jar filled with apple cider vinegar.
Over time, the submerged onions will ferment into a delectably tangy treat that can be stored safely in any cool, dark spot away from direct light or fluctuating temperatures.
Remember though – pickling should always be carried out to an accurate recipe rather than just relying on instincts to avoid food safety risks.
Should You Store Cut Onion In Water?
While it might seem like a quick solution, storing cut onions in water isn’t the best way to maintain their freshness over time.
Submerging your sliced or diced onions in water is perfectly fine for a few minutes to dilute their potent aroma and flavor, especially if you plan to add them into salads or sandwiches.
However, for long-term storage, water doesn’t turn out to be the best companion for your cut onions.
It can cause them to lose their inherent crispness and distinct flavor profile.
Additionally, the damp environment can encourage bacterial growth and speed up spoilage.
Instead of resorting to water, opt for an airtight container or resealable bag for your cut onions.
When stashed away in your fridge, this approach helps prevent oxidation and moisture loss that can lead to browning or wilting.
To enjoy the most vibrant flavors, aim to use your refrigerated cut onion within 2-3 days of cutting it.
This will help you savor its full flavor while ensuring it’s safe and delicious
