Farmers and storage experts typically recommend storing onions in a dry, well-ventilated location, like a garage or cellar. They advise using mesh bags or netting to allow for good airflow and regularly checking for any soft onions to prevent spoilage. However, there’s a little-known trick that can extend the life of onions even further: pantyhose.
John Shuman, President and CEO of Shuman Farms, which specializes in sweet Vidalia onions, advocates for using clean, sheer pantyhose to store onions. Simply place an onion in the leg of the pantyhose, tie a knot above it, add another onion, and repeat. Then, hang the pantyhose in a cool, dry area with good ventilation. Alternatively, you can place onions on elevated racks in a cool, dry spot, making sure they don’t touch each other.
Storing onions in the refrigerator is a big no-no, as it causes them to convert starches into sugars, resulting in a mushy texture and strong smells. YouTuber Jerry James Stone emphasizes that onions hate the cold and prefer dry, well-ventilated environments. He advises against storing them in drawers and recommends pantries with good air circulation.
Ventilation is crucial for onions as they release moisture, and it’s also important to keep them away from potatoes due to the ethylene gas they produce, which can cause potatoes to sprout. Garlic, however, is a suitable companion for onions, as they prefer similar storage conditions.
If you purchase onions from the supermarket in a plastic bag, remove them and place them in a net or mesh bag for proper storage. By following these simple tips, including the unexpected pantyhose method, you can ensure your onions stay fresh and flavorful for longer.
