Onions are an essential ingredient in recipes around the world. They add a distinctive flavor and rich taste to any dish. Storing them properly is key to maintaining their quality and preventing them from spoiling quickly. In this article, we’ll discuss how to store onions to keep them from going bad, along with some recipes you can make using onions.
How to store onions?
Onions naturally contain a high moisture content. If not stored properly, they can rot or start sprouting. Here are the best ways to store onions:
- It’s best to store onions in a dry place away from direct sunlight. You can keep them in an open drawer or on a kitchen shelf.
- Use mesh bags or baskets that allow airflow. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and cause the onions to rot. Also, avoid storing them near the sink or in humid areas.
- Don’t store onions next to potatoes, as both release gases that can make each other spoil faster. Similarly, avoid storing garlic with onions, as this may alter their flavors.
- If you’ve peeled or cut onions, place them in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. Peeled or chopped onions can last up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, you can chop and freeze onions in freezer bags.
- To store green onions, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge. Green onions can stay fresh for 1-2 weeks when stored this way.
- Regularly check stored onions for any spoiled or moldy ones, as mold can spread quickly. If you notice sprouting, you can still use the onion for cooking, but use it quickly, as it may become soft and lose some flavor.
- Avoid storing unpeeled onions in the fridge, as this increases moisture and speeds up rotting. Don’t leave onions uncovered, as this will cause them to lose moisture and dry out quickly.
Health benefits of onions
Onions offer a wide range of health benefits, making them a true nutritional treasure. Here are their top benefits and positive effects on health:
- Onions are high in antioxidants like quercetin, which combat free radicals in the body. Vitamin C in onions also helps strengthen the immune system.
- Onions are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which supports the immune system and keeps skin healthy; vitamin B6, which enhances brain function and improves mood; and potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance and regulates blood pressure.
- They contain organic sulfur compounds that reduce the risk of blood clots and promote vascular health.
- Onions improve heart health thanks to their natural compounds that lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Onions contain powerful antioxidants like quercetin and selenium that help fight cancer cells and prevent their growth.
- They aid digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices. The fiber in onions feeds beneficial gut bacteria, improving absorption and preventing constipation.
- Onion juice is a natural remedy for strengthening hair and promoting growth due to its sulfur content, which enhances keratin production. It can also help alleviate joint pain and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Onions boost bone health with compounds that increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women. They also help lower blood sugar levels, particularly in diabetics.
- The sulfur compounds in onions may reduce the risk of various cancers, such as colon and stomach cancer.
READ MORE RECIPES
Delicious recipes using onions
Here are some tasty recipes you can make using onions:
Stuffed onions with meat and vegetables
Cut off the tops of the onions and gently hollow out the inside, keeping the outer layer intact. Mix minced meat with cooked rice, parsley, spices, and a little salt.
Stuff the onions with the mixture and place them in a greased baking dish. Pour tomato broth over the onions, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 50 minutes.
Onion and tomato salad
Mix sliced onions and tomatoes in a large bowl. Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve as a side dish.
French onion soup
Heat butter in a pan over medium heat, add sliced onions, and sauté until golden and caramelized. Add flour and stir for a minute, then gradually pour in beef broth while stirring.
Let the soup simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Pour the soup into heatproof bowls, top with a slice of toasted bread, sprinkle with grated cheese, and broil until the cheese melts and turns golden.
Caramelized onions with balsamic vinegar
Heat oil in a pan, add onion slices, and sauté until soft. Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, and cook on low heat until caramelized. Serve as a side dish or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Onion and cheese tart
Roll out pastry dough in a greased baking pan. Heat a bit of oil in a pan and cook onions until softened.
Whisk eggs with cream, then add cheese, thyme, and cooked onions. Pour the mixture over the dough and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C until golden on top.
Meatballs with caramelized onions
Mix ground meat with chopped onions, breadcrumbs, paprika, and an egg. Shape into small balls and fry until browned.
Add butter and onion slices to the pan, sauté until caramelized, then add beef broth and bring to a boil. Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes.
Crispy onion rings
Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk an egg and gradually add milk.
Dip onion rings into the flour mixture, then into the egg and milk mixture, and coat again with flour. Fry the rings in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Onion and pepper fajitas
Heat olive oil in a pan, add onions and bell peppers, and season with cumin, paprika, and salt.
Cook until softened, then serve in tortillas with toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese.
Now that you know how to store onions properly, you can keep them fresh for longer and make the most of their flavor and benefits. Don’t forget to try the mentioned recipes to add a special touch to your table!