Onions are a staple in countless recipes, from pasta sauces to mashed potatoes and burgers. Yet they rank among the most wasted foods in Britain, with households discarding 170,000 onions daily due to improper storage.
The Common Mistake
If you find your onions spoiling quickly, the culprit might be storing them with potatoes. Supermarket giant Tesco warns that onions should never be kept near potatoes, as both release gases that accelerate spoilage.
Tesco advises: "Store onions in a dry, dark place away from potatoes. Store halved onions in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent flavour transfer."
Why Onions Spoil Near Potatoes
Onions emit trace amounts of ethylene, a natural plant hormone that triggers ripening. Potatoes are highly sensitive to ethylene, causing them to deteriorate and release moisture, which in turn speeds up onion spoilage. Keep onions away from carrots and leafy greens as well.
How to Make Onions Last Longer
Store onions with garlic, shallots, ginger, pumpkins, and other robust root vegetables in a dry environment. Avoid the fridge, as moisture causes rot. The ideal spot is at room temperature in a cupboard, pantry, or basket on the worktop, away from direct sunlight.
When stored correctly in a cool, dark, and dry place, onions can last one to two months, reducing food waste and saving money on your weekly shop.
