How to Choose Dry Onions That Have Not Sprouted

Choose dry onions that feel firm and heavy for their size, with dry, crisp skin and no sprouts or soft spots. A good dry onion has a tightly closed, dry neck. Its storage life depends in part on how dry and firm it is. Moisture can make onions soften, sprout, and rot. A soft or damp neck may indicate spoilage. Onions that feel light for their size may have begun to dry out inside.

How do you choose dry onions?

Use both touch and visual inspection:

• Choose onions that feel firm and heavy for their size.
• Look for dry, crisp, shiny skin.
• Check that the neck is tightly closed and dry.
• Avoid soft spots, mold, or sprouts.
• Avoid onions with a sharp, sour, or musty odor.

What mistakes should you avoid when choosing and storing onions?

These practices can encourage sprouting or spoilage:

• Buying softened or sprouted onions just because they cost less.
• Storing onions in an airtight bag, where moisture can build up.
• Storing onions with potatoes; this can cause both to spoil faster.
• Refrigerating dry onions, which may make them soften in a moist environment.

How should you store dry onions?

Keep them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place, such as a mesh bag or basket. Light and moisture can encourage sprouting. Store onions separately from foods such as potatoes, which may release moisture. Arrange them in a single layer without piling them up or letting them touch; this can slow the spread of rot from one onion to another.

Can you use sprouted onions?

A slightly sprouted onion that is still firm can generally be used after removing the sprout, though it may taste sharper. Do not use onions that are soft, watery, or moldy. You can also plant onion sprouts in soil to grow green onions. Do not eat onions with dark, watery, or softened flesh, regardless of whether they have sprouted.

To choose dry onions, look for firmness, crisp dry skin, and a closed neck. Select onions that have not sprouted or softened, and store them in a cool, dark, ventilated place. Under suitable conditions, onions can last for weeks, so buying smaller amounts more often may help keep them fresh.