5 Ways to Store Onions for Long Term (Weeks, Months, or 1 Year)

How to Store Onions for the Long Term (Weeks, Months, or Even a Year!)

Onions are a pantry staple, and with the right storage methods, you can keep them fresh for weeks—or even months! Whether you’re storing yellow onions from the grocery store or sweet onions from the farmer’s market, knowing how to store them properly can help reduce waste and save money.

Generally, onions with thicker outer skins, higher sulfur content, and lower water content store much better. For example, yellow onions are ideal for long-term storage thanks to their thicker skins, while sweet onions are more delicate and don’t last quite as long.

5 Easy Ways to Store Onions for Longer

1. Store whole onions outside the fridge in a cool, dark place with good air circulation

• Use a mesh bag, paper bag, or basket to hold your onions.
• Place them in a cool, dry, and dark area with airflow—ideally 40–50°F (4–10°C).
• Avoid storing onions with potatoes; potatoes release moisture and gases that make onions spoil faster.
• Stored properly, onions can last anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on their variety and condition.

2. Store halved onions in the fridge (skin on)

• Don’t peel off the skin of a halved onion. Wrap it tightly in a Ziploc bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
• Place it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
• This will keep it fresh for up to 2 weeks.

3. Store sliced onions in an airtight container in the fridge

• Transfer sliced, chopped, or diced onions into an airtight container.
• Store it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

4. Freeze chopped or sliced onions

• Spread sliced or chopped onions in a thin layer in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag.
• Freeze and use directly from frozen when cooking (great for stir-fries, soups, stews).
• Not ideal for raw dishes, as freezing changes the texture.
• Frozen onions can last up to 6 months.

5. Store whole onions in the fridge wrapped in paper towels (great for sweet onions)

• If you must refrigerate whole onions—such as in hot or humid climates—wrap each one in paper towels.
• Place them in a cloth or paper bag for ventilation and store in the crisper drawer.
• This method works especially well for sweet onions, which have a shorter shelf life.
• They will stay fresh for 1 to 2 months.

Final Tips

• Always check onions for soft spots, sprouting, or mold before storing.
• Keep storage areas clean and dry to prevent rot.
• Rotate your onions—use older ones first!

With these storage techniques, you’ll never have to toss another onion again. And remember—homemade storage beats store-bought convenience every time when it comes to freshness and flavor!