Proper storage of onions is one of the important steps in caring for the harvested crop. In order for a vegetable to survive the frosty winter, appropriate technologies must be followed. Well-ripened bulbs are in a state of complete physical rest and, subject to the temperature and humidity level, they can be perfectly stored at home.
How can you keep fresh onions at home?
After harvesting, dry the roots. To do this, you need to spread the onions on the balcony or take them out into the fresh air in the sun. It is desirable that the air temperature is above 30C. Some gardeners practice drying a vegetable in the oven at 40C.
When preparing a vegetable for wintering, you need to know the rules for cutting before storing. It is forbidden to skip this stage, otherwise the bulbs will quickly rot:
- After drying, you need to remove the excess scales and leave only a neck 5 cm long.
- It is advisable to remove the roots completely with a sharp knife, but so as not to damage the bulbs.
You can save the root crop from decay by proper storage in a cool room. The ideal option is a cellar or basement. But if this is not possible, then the vegetable will have to be kept in the apartment.
Basement storage
Store the onion in the basement at a temperature not lower than 1C, otherwise it may simply freeze. You can't just spread the vegetable on the floor, you need to prepare special containers:
- plastic boxes;
- wooden boxes.
The container should be shallow but wide. Root crops must be stored in a layer not higher than 0.5 meters. Place boxes on a raised platform or wooden supports so that they do not touch cold floors and walls. Onions must be periodically reviewed to avoid festering specimens.
Other storage methods in the basement:
- linen bags;
- vegetable nets;
- wicker baskets;
- stockings and nylon.
You can organize special hooks in the basement to hang bags or stockings, baskets on them. The main thing is that there are ventilation holes in the package.
Storage in the apartment
In an apartment, onions are stored on the balcony or in a place where the temperature is maintained below 1-5C. For storing root crops in an apartment, you can prepare the following container:
- Wicker baskets. The baskets ventilate the air well and prevent the heads from rotting. The bulbs are adjusted so that no pressure is created on the lower layer;
- Carton boxes. You can store root vegetables in boxes, only occasionally vegetables should be sorted out so that the rotten fruit does not infect the rest. Make small holes on the side of the boxes for ventilation;
- Polypropylene mesh. A great option for storage in an apartment. The bulbs are not squeezed and the mesh allows air to pass through well;
- Cloth bags. Pack the vegetable so that the layer does not exceed 30 cm;
- Nylon stockings. They do not allow moisture to pass through, but they ventilate the air well.
It is not recommended to store onions next to beets, potatoes. You can sprinkle the heads with chalk. It retains moisture well. You can put the vegetable in the refrigerator, where the temperature is at least 3C. Closer to spring, you need to transfer the root crop to a warmer place at t + 18C.
Ways to save green and onions at home
Green onions harvested from the garden do not need to be rinsed immediately under water. Experienced gardeners assure that not washed vegetables can be stored much longer. In order not to stain the refrigerator with dirty feathers, you can wipe them with moistened wipes and leave to dry.
Green onions can be stored in the refrigerator in the following ways:
- in a glass container with a lid. It is a glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid that will keep the vegetable fresh for a long time for 4-5 weeks. It is advisable to take the dishes higher so that the green feathers do not bend;
- plastic bag. Take the onion and put it in bags so that the feathers remain straight. The end of the bag should be tied, and several thin holes should be pierced on the sides so that there is ventilation;
- wrap in paper. You can take craft paper. Wash the onion, dry it and wrap it in a package.
Salting
Greens can be saved for the winter by salting:
- For salting, you need to sort out the vegetable well, rinse and cut into circles.
- Prepare glass containers, sterilize and dry them.
- Put chopped onion 2-3 cm thick in a container and salt, then add another layer and salt, and so on. The jar must be full. The salt will help prevent mold.
- Close the jar with a lid and send to the refrigerator.
Drying
Another way to preserve feathers for a long time is to dry them. For this you need:
- Wash, dry and cut into rings.
- Place the rings on a wire rack and dry in the oven at 50C for about 2 hours.
Freezing in the fridge or freezer
You can freeze green feathers in the freezer in the following ways:
- Wash and dry the vegetable and cut into thin slices. Take a plastic bag and pack a small amount into bags.
- Mix the onion cut into rings with a small amount of butter and arrange in silicone molds. Load them into the freezer and use in portions as directed.
- Mix chopped vegetable with vegetable oil and load into small plastic containers or molds.
Cellar storage
Green feathers can only be stored in the cellar if it has hard and strong feathers without defects. In order not to wither, you should wrap the vegetable in plastic, having previously cleaned it from the ground or folded it neatly into wooden boxes covered with plastic. Store at 1-2C for about 4-6 weeks.
Storage preparation
For storing onions for a long time: rub and remove damaged leaves. To keep the greens fresh, you need to leave only the strongest feathers. If onions are used for drying, pickling, freezing, then you can rinse them and cook them according to the recipe. For fresh onions, the optimum temperature is 1-8C. For freezing -8. Frozen greens can be stored for 1 year, dried for 2 years, pickled with salt for six months, fresh for up to 2 months.
The onion and green look contains a huge amount of vitamins and is perfect for dressing many dishes: soups, meat, pickles, salads. The main thing, when properly stored, retains its properties. Enjoy your meal!