do sweet onions need to be refrigerated

Full Answer

How Long Do Onions Last at Room Temperature?

Ideally, onions should be stored in a cool, dark place between 45 and 55 degrees F. Whole, raw onions will last two to three months when stored in a cool, dry place. Places that provide these conditions could include a cellar, pantry, unheated basement, or garage.

How Long Do Onions Last in the Refrigerator?

While the fridge isn't ideal for storing onions, it will extend the shelf life of whole, raw onions beyond a week at room temperature. Onions absorb moisture very easily however, so their texture may get somewhat soft in the fridge. Whole, raw onions can last in the fridge for up to two weeks.

How Long Do Onions Last in the Freezer?

Good news! You can freeze raw onions to extend their shelf-life. Start by peeling the onions, and then chop or slice them as desired. Place them in an airtight container, freezer bag, or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Raw onions will last up to eight months in the freezer.

How to Tell If an Onion Is Bad or Spoiled

There are three ways to tell if your onions have gone bad: color, feel, and smell. Spoiled onions may develop dark spots, which will eventually begin to grow mold. You'll also want to avoid onions that have started sprouting, as this indicates they're beginning to go bad.

Cooked onions should be stored in the refrigerator as well

"Sometimes cooked onions not stored properly can allow the growth of toxin-producing bacteria like enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Clostridium botulinum, etc.," Dr. Kundu says.

Here's how to know if your onions have spoiled

If you practice good onion-storing habits, you'll have a better grip on knowing when your onions have spoiled. But there are a few things to look out for to help you decide whether or not you should toss the vegetable. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

There could be health risks associated with eating contaminated onions

Back in 2012, there was an instance where contaminated onions were recalled. "There have been cases where people thought there was contamination of Listeria monocytogenes that could grow in refrigerator temperature," Dr. Kundu notes.