Onions and garlic are essential ingredients in countless delicious dishes. However, it’s frustrating when they start to mold and soften before their time. While it seems intuitive to store all your vegetables in the refrigerator, especially during warmer months, this is actually one of the worst places for onions and garlic.
Storing onions in the refrigerator exposes them to moisture and cold temperatures. This process converts the starch in the onion into sugar, leading to a soft, spoiled texture. Garlic suffers a similar fate when refrigerated. The cold temperature encourages sprouting, resulting in a rubbery, flavorless vegetable.
Instead, Amy Myrdal Miller, a culinary specialist from Fruits and Veggies, recommends storing onions and garlic in a dry, cool, dark place in your kitchen, such as a cupboard or drawer.
Onions and garlic undergo a “curing” process before reaching supermarket shelves, removing moisture from their outer layer and rendering refrigeration unnecessary. You can even keep them on your countertop if you prefer, but keep them away from sunlight to prevent sprouting and a loss of flavor. Additionally, avoid storing them near a stove or oven, as high temperatures can also cause spoilage.
It’s also crucial to keep onions and garlic separate from fruits, particularly in a fruit bowl. Fruits release ethylene gas, a natural growth hormone that promotes ripening. While beneficial for fruits, ethylene can cause onions and garlic to sprout prematurely.
Similar to fruits, potatoes should not be stored with onions and garlic. Potatoes are susceptible to moisture and can absorb the strong pungent smell of these vegetables, altering their flavor profile.
The key to keeping onions and garlic fresh is to maintain a dry, cool, and dark environment. Avoid extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight. For optimal storage, consider storing them in a paper bag or basket, which promotes air circulation and helps them stay dry. Additionally, remove onions and garlic from plastic packaging or netting, as these materials trap moisture and can lead to rotting.
When stored correctly, garlic and onions can last for two to five months, reducing food waste and saving you money. By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure that you always have fresh, flavorful onions and garlic at your fingertips.
