Onions, the unsung heroes of our kitchen, lend their distinctive flavour to numerous dishes. They’re a staple in each family so we regularly find yourself shopping for them in bulk. And this results in many people discovering ourselves grappling with the perennial query: The place can we retailer so many onions with out compromising their freshness? The fridge would possibly seem to be a logical selection however maintain on. It isn’t! The truth is, storage within the fridge will spoil the onions rapidly. Let’s discover why onions ought to by no means be saved within the chilly confines of the fridge.
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Ought to Onions be Saved within the Fridge?
The Spoiler Alert:
You open the fridge, aspiring to seize a contemporary onion, solely to seek out darkish spots, mushy areas, and the unmistakable signal of mould. Spoiled onions not solely damage your recipe however also can result in disagreeable signs like heartburn, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed. Sprouting onions are one other pink flag, indicating the onset of spoilage.
Many individuals make the error of storing onions within the fridge. Ayurveda & Intestine Well being Coach Dimple Jangda introduced this matter to gentle in a submit on her Instagram deal with. She shared some compelling causes to not retailer onions within the fridge.
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Why Onions Ought to Not Be Saved In The Fridge:
1. As a result of It is Chilly and Humid:
Fridges preserve a chilly and humid surroundings appropriate for juicy greens and leafy greens. Nevertheless, onions, with their dry and crisp texture, do not fare effectively in such circumstances. The chilly and humidity immediate starch conversion into sugar and onions readily soak up moisture.
2. Rooted in Darkness:
Onions, being root greens, develop in a darkish surroundings. Their dry, crisp texture distinguishes them from juicier crops like tomatoes or cucumbers. Correct storage of greens entails maintaining them in a darkish, cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Think about using a perforated basket, mesh bag, or bowl, and even the basement throughout winter.
3. Exception for Scallions or Inexperienced Onions:
Whereas the no-fridge rule stands for onions, it would not apply to scallions or inexperienced onions. Their larger water content material necessitates refrigeration.
What Is The Finest Approach To Retailer Onions?
1. The perfect temperature:
In line with the USDA, the appropriate temperature for onion storage is between 45 to 50 levels F, simply above refrigeration ranges. A vital tip is to keep away from storing onions in a plastic bag, as they want air circulation. Moreover, maintaining onions away from potatoes is essential, as potatoes can launch moisture, accelerating onion decomposition.
2. Keep away from sprouting
The Nationwide Library of Medication means that storing onions between 40-50 levels F (4-10 levels C) is right, sustaining their attribute properties. Sprouting, a transparent signal of spoilage, is extra more likely to happen at temperatures between 10 levels C and 25 levels C.
3. Finest strategy to hold onions:
The Nationwide Onion Affiliation gives simple recommendation for bulb onions: retailer them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space, sustaining a temperature of 45-55 levels F. Keep away from wrapping them in plastic, as correct air circulation is important. Wholesome onions ought to really feel agency and dry, freed from mould, and with out seen sprouting. Some unfastened skins are regular.
By choosing the appropriate storage circumstances, you possibly can guarantee a contemporary provide of onions for as much as 30 days.
