How to Store Fresh Cut Onions

Store cut onions in pre-measured portions.

Onions are typically stored whole in a cool pantry. Once cut, however, they require refrigeration so they don't rot. While pre-cutting onions speeds food preparation, they can lose some of their flavor unless packaged and stored correctly -- and the storage method depends on the eventual use. Refrigerated onions have a short shelf life but are usable in nearly any recipe. Frozen onions store longer but suffer some texture loss and are best used in cooked dishes.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Plastic storage bags

Instructions

1. Wash the onions in cool water. Peel off and discard the papery outer skin. Slice or chop into desired-size pieces.

2. Place the onions into a plastic storage bag. Press out as much air from the bag as possible and seal it.

3. Store the bagged onions in your refrigerator's vegetable crisper drawer for up to about five days.

4. Lay the sealed bags flat in the freezer for storage of three to six months.

Tips & Warnings

• Other foods readily absorb the aroma from cut onions. Use tightly sealed bags to prevent odor issues.

References

• Harvard Medical School: Onions
• University of Nebraska Extension; Freezing Onions; Alice Henneman