How long do chopped onions last?
In this article, we will answer the question “How long do chopped onions last?”, and how to safely store onions?
How long do chopped onions last?
Chopped onions last 6-10 days in the fridge. Freezing prolongs the shelf-life of chopped onions upto 6-8 months. The following table shows an estimated shelf-life of the whole, cut and chopped or sliced onions under different storage conditions.
| In the pantry | In the fridge | In the freezer | |
| Whole onions | 1-6 months | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Half-cut onions | Not recommended | 6-10 days | Not recommended |
| Chopped or sliced onions | Not recommended | 6-10 days | 6-8 months |
How to tell If an onion is bad?
There may be different ways to identify spoiling onions and it depends on whether the onion was whole or cut, peeled or not, and varies with the onion type.
The worst-case scenario is mushy and soft onions, which is an indication of rotting and happens only if onions have been in direct contact with water.
Whole onions
Whole onions, if kept for too long in the storage, begin to germinate and develop long and slender green stems. In this case, the onion will start to wither developing wrinkled and rubbery outer leaves. The outer leaves can be removed to eat the rest of the firm onion.
The sprouted onion is also edible in most cases. In the case of immature stems, they taste bitter and are not a pleasant addition to your food.
Cut onions
Cut onions will go bad once they start giving off a foul odor and develop a slimy texture. The spoilage is quick due to an increased surface area. Therefore it is recommended to refrigerate sliced or chopped onions tightly covered in plastic wraps.
However, the rule of thumb is, a bad onion would have a discolored appearance and/or darkened and soft spots.
Mold growth
Soot-like patches on the onion are a clear sign of mold growth. This happens due to contamination from the soil and improper storage conditions that favor these bacteria to multiply.
It is recommended to remove these black pathy areas and store the onion in the fridge after proper rinsing. However, if the mold continues to the inside of the onion, discard it.
A white liquid is often seen coming out from an onion when it is being cut. This liquid is either considered poisonous or the onion is labeled moldy. But this may not be the case. This liquid is the onion’s natural water and is safe to consume.
Does eating bad onions make you sick?
Eating a bad onion might not have any serious effects. Your stomach might act up a little and obviously, it will taste bad. But food poisoning from eating a bad onion is a rare case.
How to store onions safely?
Temperature
Keep your onions in a cool and dry place if you want them to preserve their freshness. However, in the case of green onions, the cold temperature of the fridge is recommended due to higher water content.
But in the case of white onions, the cold temperature of the fridge will turn its starch into sugars and the onions develop a leathery and withered appearance. White onions kept at 60-70°F is the ideal temperature.
Humidity
High humidity will spoil your onions by favoring mold and bacterial growth. Go for a pantry instead of a basement or cellar to avoid getting your onions to come in contact with moisture.
Air-circulation
Keep the onions in the original netted bags that they came in. You can also store them in baskets, solid containers without covering, or a paper bag by poking holes into it. The purpose is to allow as much air as possible to pass through the onions and prevent mold issues.
Do not pile up your onions too much to avoid the development of bruises or soft spots on the onions at the bottom pile because of the weight of onions on the top.
How to buy onions?
When shopping for yellow and red onions, look for the ones with dry and peppery skin. They should have a firm texture and a considerable weight that shows they are not overripe. The onions should not have soft or mushy areas.
When shopping for spring onions, look for the ones with unbruised and frim stalks. The bulb should not be slimy. Leeks should have crisp and firm stalks with no discoloration.
Check out the best way to chop onions in a food processor.
Other FAQs about Onions that you may be interested in.
How long do diced onions last?
Are onions safe to eat after cutting?
Are pearl onions the same as shallots?
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “How long do chopped onions last?”, and how to safely store onions?
