Buying & Storing Onions

Choosing an onion

Choose onions that are clean, well shaped, have no opening at the neck and feature crisp, dry outer skins. Avoid those that are sprouting or have signs of mould. In addition, onions of inferior quality often have soft spots, moisture at their neck, and dark patches, which may all be indications of decay.

Storing onions

Onions should not be store in the refrigerator because of its high moisture atmosphere, Onions keep best in a cool, dry place, perhaps a pantry or a low cupboard away from excessive heat or light. Plenty of air circulation is beneficial to prevent spoilage. Avoid storing them under a sink where excessive dampness will hasten their demise. It's common practice to store onions and potatoes together but not an ideal one. Potatoes have a great deal of moisture and give off a gas that causes onions to spoil more quickly. Stored carefully, onions can keep for several weeks.