How to Properly Dry and Store Onions: Tips for Long-Term Storage

Onions are considered one of the most delicate vegetables when it comes to storage. Every year, many homeowners face the problem of their onion supplies starting to spoil: first, an unpleasant odor appears, and eventually, all that remains in the boxes is a black mass. It is especially frustrating when the rotting process begins from the inside of the bulb.

This is reported by AgroReview

Moist Neck — The Main Cause of Onion Spoilage

Most difficulties with storing onions arise during the summer harvest. If the vegetables are dug up from wet soil and immediately taken into the shed, the risk of spoilage significantly increases. To avoid this, onions should be left in the sun for a few days — this allows the neck (the part where the leaves have detached) to dry out completely and contract. A dry neck creates a natural barrier against the entry of infections into the bulb.

When pressing on the top, if it feels soft, that onion is not suitable for long-term storage and should be used first. It is best to store only those bulbs that have dry, papery skins and a firm “tip.” The roots should be trimmed, but carefully, to avoid damaging the base, as this is often where the rotting process begins.

Conditions for Reliable Crop Storage

Traditionally, onions are stored in nets or boxes, but the main requirement is continuous air circulation. If the vegetables are piled in a dense layer in a closed container, the lower layers quickly begin to rot. This is why wicker baskets, which our grandmothers used, remain the best option — it is not only a tradition but also an effective solution for long-term storage.

It is important to remember that onions do not tolerate being stored near potatoes. Potatoes release excess moisture, which onions absorb, causing them to rot or sprout. It is recommended to store these vegetables separately, in different corners or even rooms. It is also crucial to consider that in overly dry air at home, onions can dry out and become “hollow,” so a cool place away from heating appliances is ideal.

Note: The optimal temperature for storing onions in an apartment is +18…+22°C, and in a dry cellar — from 0 to +3°C. The humidity level should be maintained at 60-70%. With increased humidity, onions begin to sprout and produce green shoots.

“Onions are probably the most temperamental vegetable on our supply list. Every year, it’s the same story: first, it starts to smell unbearably throughout the house, and then you find a solid black mush in the box. The most disappointing part is that it starts to rot from the inside.”