OnionShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide
Pantry
1-3 months
Store whole, unpeeled onions in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated place (50-60°F or 10-15°C). Keep away from potatoes, as they release gases and moisture that can cause onions to spoil faster. Do not store in plastic bags.
Refrigerator
7-10 days
Peeled or cut raw onions should be stored in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator to prevent odor transfer and maintain freshness. Whole, unpeeled onions can be refrigerated, but they may become soft and lose some flavor.
Freezer
10-12 months
Chop onions and blanch them for 3-7 minutes before freezing for best quality, or freeze raw chopped onions in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible.
Signs of Spoilage
- Soft spots or mushy texture
- Mold growth (black, green, or white fuzzy spots)
- Strong, unpleasant, or 'off' odor
- Sprouting (while not unsafe, indicates aging and potential flavor loss)
- Discoloration or dark patches
Room Temperature Safety
The 'Danger Zone' for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
Whole, unpeeled onions are safe at room temperature for longer periods if stored properly in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated place. However, once peeled or cut, they become perishable and must be refrigerated within 2 hours.
Safe Handling
Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw onions.
Wash whole onions under running water before peeling or cutting.
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw produce to prevent cross-contamination.
Refrigerate cut or peeled onions promptly within 2 hours.