Do the onions go bad? - What you need to know?

Everything that comes in a 3 kilo bag should last forever, right?

Onions can be purchased in surprisingly large quantities and in bulk, and have an almost mythological reputation for being able to survive for months in cold, dark cellars.

But is that true?

Do the onions go bad?

Yes, onions go bad. If stored properly, they can stay fresh and edible for up to 3 months, but they go moldy under certain circumstances. Even if they don’t go moldy, the onions will eventually wilt and dry out until they’re not pleasing.

In this article, we’ll talk about all the ways that onions can and do go bad, how to prevent that from happening for as long as possible, and how to tell if your onions are past their best-before date.

We even cover some of the deeper stuff about onions, so read on to learn everything you need to know about preserving onions for long-term use.

Can onions go bad?

Onions, like virtually all other edibles, can and will go bad over time. They are very hardy and if you store them correctly you can keep them fresh and delicious for months, but there is no guarantee of perfection.

There are a few different ways that onions can go bad, depending on whether it’s whole onions, sliced, or even green onions or baby onions.

First, let’s talk about the difference between an onion that has started to grow and is no longer ideal for consumption, and an onion that has gone bad and is not necessarily safe to eat.

Do whole onions go bad?

Onions start to sprout green stems after being stored for a long time.

You can eat an onion that has started to sprout ; it is completely safe. However, an onion that has sprouted is likely getting quite old and you may need to remove some outer layers that have become dry or rubbery.

The shoot itself is also edible, but the young shoots are often quite bitter and you may not enjoy them. Unfortunately, the biggest problem with onions that have started to sprout is the amount of onion that is wasted.

Sometimes whole onions just dry out and shrivel up from being stored too long.

As with sprouted onions, you can try peeling back some of the outer layers to find fresh, crisp layers on the inside, but the older the onion, the more you’ll need to remove.

And, of course, onions can go bad in the sense that they mold and turn into a slimy, mushy, smelly mess. This is the worst case scenario and usually occurs when moisture enters the area where the onions are stored.

Do onions absorb bacteria?

There is a commonly accepted myth that sliced onions absorb bacteria. For some, it is thought to be a remedy to prevent the body from becoming ill. For others, it is a concern for food safety.

If you put sliced onions inside your wool socks while you sleep, will it draw toxins and bacteria out of your body?

If you cut up the onions and leave them on the counter, will they become a magnet for everything in the air?

There is no reliable evidence that sliced onions absorb, pick up, or attract bacteria or any other pathogens.

Yes, if you leave onions exposed they can become a breeding ground for foodborne bacteria, but no more than any other perishable food. Standard food safety and health practices can and should be applied around cut onions.

Do onions go bad if they are not refrigerated?

Yes, cut or sliced onions will go bad if not refrigerated.

As soon as the protective outer layer of the onion is broken - that is, cut - you should store it in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in the fridge, similar to all the other foods in your kitchen.

However, whole onions do not spoil quickly if they are not refrigerated. In fact, it is better not to keep whole onions in the fridge if you want them to last longer with good quality.

When onions are placed in a cold environment, the natural starch begins to turn into sugar.

A sweet onion may not seem like a terrible thing, but the transition also makes your onion soft and soggy without the support of starch. The same goes for potatoes when they are refrigerated or stored in a very cold space.

This only applies to large, normal-sized onions. Green onions, scallions, and chives are totally different types of onions. Its higher water content does require cold storage.

How do I know if an onion is bad?

The first sign that your onion is going bad or going bad is discoloration or dark spots on the outer layers and skin. Brown or black areas on an onion indicate that it has rotted or dried beyond appetizing.

The onions should always be firm, with no soft, spongy, or bruised spots. It is normal for the outer layers to be dry and papery, and as the onion ages, the dryness will slowly work its way inside.

You may have to peel a few layers to get to the freshest part of the onion, but this is normal. However, peeling several soft layers is a bad sign, and you should probably discard the onion.

If you find a small soft or brown spot inside the onion, you can simply cut that area off and eat the rest of the onion.

mold on onion

Black mold on the outer surface of your onion is not unusual. It comes from a common fungus in the soil.

If you notice it, remove the affected onions and take them to the fridge until you can use them. The cool air will help prevent mold from spreading, but you’ll want to peel, rinse, and use the rest of the onion as soon as possible.

If there are dark or black spots on the inside of several layers of the onion, and they are not limited to the outer, papered layers, you may need to discard the entire onion.

white liquid of onion

If you’ve ever cut an onion, you’ve probably seen the milky white liquid seeping out.

This is not dangerous nor is it a sign of deterioration. It is the release of the liquid stored inside the onion that combines with the natural sugars and starches. It is totally safe and natural.

Some onions release a more watery liquid, while in others the liquid is white and opaque. In either case, your onion is safe to eat, unless there are other, more worrisome signs of spoilage.

What happens if you eat a bad onion?

Can spoiled onions make you sick? Possibly. Any edible item that has gone bad can make you sick. However, onions are not excessively or extremely dangerous, even if they have gone bad.

Despite some myths, spoiled onions are no more likely to cause food poisoning than any other food.

If you discover that your onion has gone bad, you can remove the affected area and eat the rest safely.

If you happen to eat a piece that has started to rot, it will probably taste bad and make you sick to your stomach, but it’s not likely to do any serious or lasting harm.

How to preserve onions

The secret to preserving whole onions, still in their natural paper wrapper, is to control the temperature, humidity, and air circulation.

If you master these three elements, you will be able to keep your onions at their best for as long as possible.

How to keep an onion fresh

If you want to know how to preserve onions for months, follow these simple rules:

Temperature : Onions will last longer if they are kept in a cool environment, but not cold.

Your pantry or closet should be perfect, as long as it’s not directly next to your oven, under your sink, or in a basement or cellar that gets damp or freezing cold in winter.

Ideally, your onions should be kept at a room temperature that is considered comfortable for sleeping: between 60-70F.

Moisture : As with most foods, moisture is the enemy . If you want to keep your onions safe from mold, keep them dry. Bacteria can only grow and thrive with access to oxygen and water.

For this reason, basements and cellars are not really ideal storage locations for onions, as they are often damp with high levels of humidity. Instead, as already suggested, opt for a pantry.

Air Circulation : Most bulk onion packages are mesh and net bags, not solid plastic. This is to allow air to easily flow around each onion, preventing any condensation from collecting on your onions.

If you have bought or harvested the onions individually, place them in a bowl without a lid, or in a brown paper bag with a few holes.

Try not to layer the onions too much, as that will also prevent air from flowing freely between them, leading to bruising and possible mold problems.

In addition to maintaining proper temperature, humidity, and air circulation, you should also keep your onions away from any fruit or vegetable that emits ethylene, the chemical responsible for ripening other surrounding foods.

The presence of ethylene increases the rate of deterioration. The main culprits are bananas, tomatoes, apples, and melons.

How to store a sliced onion

Cut onions should always be stored in the refrigerator. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight bag or container and try not to open and close the zipper more than necessary.

You want to prevent moisture from building up inside the container or storage bag, and the less you open it, the less it will contaminate the air and space around the onion with its powerful gas.

If you want to protect the rest of the items in your fridge from tasting or smelling like onions, investing in the best possible onion preserver is a great idea.

How long do onions last?

If you follow all of the above proper storage recommendations, the shelf life of an onion can be extended up to 2-3 months.

If you don’t use them often, check from time to time for soft spots or visible signs of wear, especially after a few weeks.

Just like with apples, a bad onion can ruin the bunch. If you find one that is spoiling, separate it from the rest as soon as possible to prevent it from contaminating the others around it.

How long can you keep onions?

How long an onion will last is a slightly different question than how long you can keep onions.

The answer is simple: you can keep the onions as long as they have not spoiled. When an onion goes bad, it’s obvious and you should get rid of it immediately. Until then, continue to store them as securely as possible.

How long do sliced onions last?

Cut onions will stay fresh in your fridge, if stored properly in an airtight container, for up to a week or so.

Best practices suggest using them as soon as possible because the quality and nutritional value will deteriorate quickly, but as long as they aren’t slimy to the touch or have a bad odor, they should be fine.

To prolong their life, limit the number of times you take them out of the fridge and/or open their packaging. With each new exposure to air, the risk of bacteria reaching your onions increases.

It’s also a good idea to leave as much of the skin intact as possible, as this helps keep the rest of the onion fresh.

How long do green onions last in the fridge?

Green onions are from the onion family, but they don’t last as long as their larger, more bulbous cousins. They are much more delicate and fragile, without the thick protection of paper.

Because of this difference, they should not be stored the same as regular onions; They won’t last in your pantry.

Fresh green onions should be stored in the refrigerator, where they will last for 1-2 weeks.

To prevent them from wilting or drying out, place them in a sealed plastic bag with some air in it. Ideally, put them in the vegetable drawer, where they do not get crushed or buried under other objects.

As with regular onions, moisture is the enemy of green onions, chives, and all the other alliums in the family. If there is moisture on your green onions, dry them before storing.

You can also wrap a paper towel around the bunch of onions and enclose it in the Ziploc bag. This will help keep your onions dry, even if some condensation does occur.

As with the rest of the onions that are kept in the pantry, you should check the green onions that are kept in the fridge from time to time.

As soon as one begins to soften or shows any sign of soft, spoiled bits, remove it immediately to protect the rest of the bunch.

How long do cooked onions last?

Cooked onions can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days .

In a sauce or other dish, you can safely eat leftovers for up to 4 days after careful storage, but onions by themselves tend to get slimy after just a few days.

How long do onions last [GRAPHIC]