Can one freeze Onions to store them?

Question

What is the best way to store home grown Onions for longer than a few days?

I have been given a whole bunch of Onions from a friend's home garden and I don't usually eat Onions fast enough to be able to finish them without losing some to spoilage.

I have been told that all I have to do is peel them and cut off the roots and pop them in the refrigerator in a Tupperware box. Any other methods?

Failing that, any recipies for onion casseroles (I remember something with lots of cheese on top) or summer salads?

Answer 1

Onions, like tomatoes don't freeze well. The cells break down when frozen and when thawed release gases in those cells which create a bad smell and terrifble taste. The best way to store onions is in cool dark place, do not peel. Stuff the onions in a panty hose and hang from ceiling. A basement is great if you have one. Onions will last for up to 6 months. Here is a great easy onion recipe.

Cheese and Onion Bake
4 to 5 med. Onions
1/4 cup Butter (or marg.)
1/4 cup Flour, all-purpose
2 cups Milk
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Pepper
2 cups American (process) cheese, shredded



Cut onions into thin slices; separate into rings. Place onion rings in an ungreased 1-1/2 quart casserole. For the white sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan; blend in flour, and gradually stir in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Add salt, pepper, and cheese; stir until cheese has melted. Pour sauce over onions. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees about 45 minutes.
Serves 4 to 6.

Answer 2

Freezing Onions Whole

Answer 3

Freezing is not generally recommended because it changes the quality of the texture (i.e., makes the onions mushy). Onion pickles work well, though. And so does drying, if you have a home dryer.

Then again, do you know what variety of onions they were? In general, white onions can keep for many months in a dark cold place like a root cellar or refrigerator. Sweet onions, on the other hand, won't keep more than perhaps a month.

Answer 4

Sure you can freeze onion. They'll last a few months in the freezer. What you've been told is partially right. Peel them, and cut off the roots. It's generally best to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. This protects them from the air and contains their odor until they're frozen.

You can also chop the onions before freezing. I love this trick. Chop your onions. Line an empty ice cube try with plastic wrap. Scoop a tablespoon of chopped onion into each section of the ice cube tray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze. Once they're frozen, take the cubes of frozen, chopped onion, and store them in a zippered bag. Voila! A handy tablespoon of chopped onion to add to anything you're making--soup, stew, sauce, etc. Depending on your recipe, you usually don't even have to thaw them before use.

Answer 5

How can I freeze my onions?

According to the USDA to freeze onions you need to wash, peel and chop onions. Water blanch 2?1/2 minutes; cool and drain. You may also freeze onions without blanching. Tray pack or day pack with headspace use in cooked products. Will keep 3?6 months.

Answer 6

Onions are great for storage. If you have a nice cool, dark, dry place (think root cellar) to put them then just leave them in their peels and keep them there well ventilated. I have often frozen diced onion but then I use them for cooking. Carmelized onions freeze well and are delicious for all sorts of things--soups, appetizers, pizzas, burger toppings etc. It takes like 2 lbs of onions to make 1 cup of carmelized onions so you can see the storage advantages there! You can make and can onion relishes too. I often keep a 3 pound bag of onions in the fridge for weeks. I am almost jealous thinking of you and your onions! You can get a carmelized onion recipe from any of the internet sites such as allrecipes.com.

Good Luck and Good Cooking!

Answer 7

I dont think you should freeze them. After defreezing the onions lose their normal properties. The best way to store them is to keep them in a dry place with good air exchange. Perhaps an attic would do.

Answer 8

If you don't remove the roots and the darker outer cover and you then put them tied together in a bunch they can last for a few weeks(2-3). The other best way is to chop them and freeze them like you suggest bu this will leave your freezer with a bad smell for a while!

Answer 9

Yes you can freeze onions.

Answer 10

I don't think you could freeze onion for days, the ice crystals that formed inside will ruin the texture. Normal refrigeration is okay, plus wrapping them in newspapers will help keep the shelf-life.