The arrival of Vidalia onion season is eagerly awaited every spring, but how do you keep them fresh for as long as possible?
There is an old trick involving stockings or pantyhose. More on that in a minute.
When purchasing Vidalias, look for firm onions without decay or blemishes. No sprouts should be attached, and the thin skins should not be dry.
The best way to preserve Vidalia onions and other sweet onions: Store them in a place that’s cool and dry and keep the onions separated. You can store your Vidalias in the refrigerator, wrapping each in a paper towel.
Treated that way, they can last up to a year.
But they also freeze really well – chopped, sliced or even whole – and then can be used in any recipe calling for cooked onions.
And if you want to eat your Vidalia raw, we suggest giving it a little soak in ice water for about 30 minutes. Then you really can bite into it just like an apple.
What about pantyhose or stockings?
Do you remember being told to tie your onions into pantyhose, knotting between each onion? Experts say it works nicely. According to theVidalia Onion Committee: "Tie a knot between each Vidalia and simply cut above the knot when you're ready to use an onion! Be sure to hang in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area."
Two more tips they suggest:
-Store the onions elevated racks or screens in a cool, dry place. One expert suggests placing the racks in a location where there is plenty of air moving around them, such as a garage.
-Do not store your onions near potatoes. This can make the onions spoil.
Wendy Brannen, former executive director of the Vidalia Onion Committee, offers this suggestion: “Toward the end of summer, it’s time to stock up. We know people still use the pantyhose trick [knotting onions individually into panty hose legs], but my favorite way to store them is to buy in bulk and then wrap each onion in paper towels and store them in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Unlike other onions, it’s OK to refrigerate Vidalias.” With her refrigerator trick Brannen is able to have Vidalia onions on hand up until the holidays.
My friend Paula Refi keeps her Vidalia onions on racks in her de-humidified basem*nt. “The Knights of Columbus at our church, St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur, sell them every summer as a fundraiser. I buy a big bag, bring them home and lay them out so they will last as long as possible,” she said.
Staff writer Brian O'Shea and AJC archives contributed to this article.
FAQs
DO store onions in the veggie bin in the refrigerator. Wrap each bulb individually in paper towels to help absorb moisture and place them in the crisper with vents closed. Many will keep for months!
How to store Vidalia onions long term? ›
Vidalia Onion Storage & Prep Tips
The best way to preserve sweet onions and to prevent bruising is to store them in a cool, dry place and separated from each other. Always handle sweet onions carefully. Because they have a higher sugar and water content, they bruise easily.
Can you freeze fresh Vidalia onions? ›
These flavorful sweet onions can be frozen whole
Peel, wash, and core jumbo Vidalias. Once frozen, the Vidalias can be removed like ice cubes. Whole frozen Vidalias can be baked, but note that freezing changes the onion's texture, so frozen onions should be used for cooking only.
What is the best container to store onions in? ›
Whole onions should be stored at room temperature in a well-ventilated container, such as a wire basket, perforated plastic sack or open paper bag. Whether you have red onions, Vidalia onions, Spanish onions or even shallots, they're best stored whole.
How do you make sweet onions last longer? ›
Take each bulb and wrap them in a dry paper towel to help manage moisture, and make sure to place them in the crisper with all vents closed. This is the easiest way to extend the life of your sweet onion.
Do onions last longer in the fridge or on the counter? ›
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
For this reason, he says it's best to store onions in a cool, dry place like a cellar, pantry, or even a garage. While they can be stored whole in the fridge, Yee notes that this causes the onion to convert starch to sugar, and can result in soft or soggy onions.
What's the best way to keep onions the longest? ›
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 may include your cellar, pantry, unheated basem*nt, or garage.
Is it better to freeze onions raw or cooked? ›
Not only do onions freeze exceptionally well, it truly is as easy as chopping them up and chucking them in the freezer. There is no need to cook them first, unless, of course, you'd like to be able to quickly add the depth of flavor that caramelized onions provide to a dish.
Where is the best place to store sweet onions? ›
DO store onions in the veggie bin in the refrigerator. Wrap each bulb individually in paper towels to help absorb moisture and place them in the crisper with vents closed. Many will keep for months!
Do onions get mushy after freezing? ›
Frozen onions will be soft and aren't recommended for raw dishes or recipes where you want them crisp. I also do not use frozen onions in recipes where onions are the main attraction – like caramelized onions or French onion soup. For those recipes I choose the best fresh onions I can find.
Store onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Maintain storage temperature of 45-55°F. Do not wrap onions in plastic or store in plastic bags.
Can you store onions in Tupperware? ›
You can hang on to a halved or sliced onion in an airtight container in the fridge for about one week. Store them in an airtight container (preferably a glass one, as plastic will absorb odor) to decrease oxidation, moisture absorption, and stinkiness.
How do you store a bag of Vidalia onions? ›
According to the Vidalia Onion Committee: "Tie a knot between each Vidalia and simply cut above the knot when you're ready to use an onion! Be sure to hang in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area." Two more tips they suggest: -Store the onions elevated racks or screens in a cool, dry place.
How long will Vidalia onions last? ›
Store them in the refrigerator, wrapped separately in a paper towel. This method is expensive and takes up precious refrigerator space, but can preserve Vidalia Onions for as long as a year.
Why are Vidalia onions considered special? ›
A Vidalia onion is a type of sweet onion. It has a mild flavor, a uniquely flat shape, and a relatively high sugar content. The soil in Vidalia, Georgia has an unusually low amount of sulfur — that's why this variety is more sweet than sharp. It doesn't have the pungent, intensely acidic flavor of other onions.
How to cure onions for long term storage? ›
If rain is predicted during the harvest period, onions can be cured in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sun. After harvesting and removing excess soil, trim away the foliage, leaving a 1-inch section of stem at the neck. Place the onions in single layers, in large, flat trays.
How to store onions in the summer? ›
Summer onions should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area like a pantry or root cellar at a temperature of 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C) with low humidity between 65-70%. Mesh bags or baskets are ideal for storage to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
