Spring onions, also known as green onions or scallions, are a member of the Allium family and have a mild onion flavor that tastes great raw or cooked. Their bright green color also adds a fresh and vibrant touch to every dish.
You can use spring onions for garnishing or add them to stir-fries and salads. In fact, from soup to fried rice, spring onions have a variety of uses in many dishes, be it as an ingredient or a garnish.
The problem most people have is keeping them fresh and on hand. An entire bunch will wilt quicker than you can eat them if you don't store spring onion the right way. Because almost every recipe requires only a few spring onions, you are left with the rest of the bunch slowly rotting away in the fridge.
Worry not though. We bring you some of the best tried-and-true methods for storing spring onions over a longer duration of time (even up to 6 months!).
Contents
Method 1: Wrap in Paper Towel & Refrigerate (1 week)
When we refrigerate spring onions, the dry air in the fridge removes the moisture from them and they start to wither.
This simple method will help you store spring onions in your fridge for about 1 week. It allows the onions to retain their freshness by preventing them from drying out in the lower temperatures at which the fridge operates.
Things you’ll need:
- Spring onions
- Kitchen towel/Paper towel
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Spray bottle with water
Single-Step Method: Cut the spring onions, wrap them in a paper towel & refrigerate them
- Chop the spring onions into small pieces.
- Place them on a paper towel.
- Wrap the paper towel around the spring onions completely.
- Moisten the paper towel by spritzing water on it with a spray bottle.
- Place the paper towel in the fresh zone of the fridge.
- Re-moisten the paper towel if it dries out, and replace it if it becomes too wet.
Method 2: Put in a Plastic Container & Refrigerate (20 days)
Have you ended up with a large bunch of spring onions because you couldn’t resist the temptation of loading up with fresh ones or because they were available at a better deal? Don’t fret, we’ve got you. By storing the spring onions in a plastic container or bottle in the fridge, you can ensure that they remain fresh for up to 20 days.
Things you’ll need:
- Spring onions
- Tupperware
- Knife
- Chopping board
Single-Step Method: Place the cut onions in a plastic container and refrigerate them
- Cut off the roots of the spring onions.
- Now cut the onions to the size of the container you wish to store them in. You can also use ziplock freezer bags if you prefer.
- Place the cut onions neatly in the container.
- Put the lid on and place the container in the fridge.
Use the onions as and when needed.
Method 3: Store in Water at Room Temperature or Refrigerate (1 week)
Another way to store spring onion the right way for a short time (about 1 week) is by putting them in water.
You can either put them in a jar of water and place them by your window or seal the spring onions in a jar of water by placing a ziplock baggie over them.
Things you’ll need:
- Spring onions
- Water
- Jar
- Ziplock baggie
- Knife
- Chopping board
# In a jar of water
Follow these simple steps for keeping them fresh without having to put them in the fridge.
Single-Step Method: Cut the spring onions & place them in the jar of water
- Chop off the green stalks of the spring onions.
- Place the root portions in a jar. A bowl will work, too.
- Add water to the jar.
- Place the jar near a window.
- Change the water every couple of days.
Using this method, not only will the spring onions remain fresh but in fact, they will even continue to grow! Spring onions continue to grow irrespective of whether their roots are in the soil or not.
# In the fridge
You can also place your spring onions in a jar with a bit of water, and then cover them with a plastic baggie and store them in the refrigerator.
Single-Step Method: Place the cut onions in a jar of water & refrigerate it covering it with a baggie
- Place the cut spring onions in a jar containing water.
- Use a plastic baggie to cover the onions, all the way down to the top of the jar.
- Place the jar in the fridge.
Change the water in the jar every couple of days. And make sure that you put the jar where it won’t get knocked over accidentally.
Method 4: Freeze in a Baggie (6 months)
You can also freeze them if you want to store spring onion the right way for up to 6 months. The only drawback to freezing them is that they lose their crunchy texture. But worry not. Freezing does not diminish their flavor, so they are good for adding to soups, stews or ground meats.
Things you’ll need:
- Chopped spring onions
- Ziplock baggie
- Tray/dish
Single-Step Method: Refrigerate the chopped spring onions, remove and place them in a ziplock baggie
- Chop the spring onions and spread them out evenly on a tray.
- Refrigerate them for 30 minutes.
- Remove the tray of chopped spring onions from the refrigerator.
- Transfer them to a ziplock baggie and store it in the freezer.
Tips
- Do not wash the spring onions if you are not planning on consuming them right away, and wish to store them. If you do wash them, be sure to dry them thoroughly, as any remaining moisture can promote mold and spoilage.
- The optimal storage conditions for spring onions are at 32°F (0°C) and 98 to 100 percent relative humidity. Higher temperatures greatly accelerate the yellowing and decay.
- Don’t store spring onions below 30°F (-1°C), because spring onions are prone to freezing injury which leaves them looking wilted and slimy.
- To store spring onion the right way keep them away from apples, grapes, and mushrooms. They produce a slight odor over time, which could possibly be absorbed by other fresh produce.
- You can also store cabbage and cucumbers in a similar way as spring onions.