Onion is a universal product that is present in the daily diet of every person. Sometimes we don’t even notice how much onion we consume every day – onions are present in the vast majority of national dishes. Onion becomes especially relevant in winter, during colds and runny noses, because it is a universal folk preventive remedy for many types of winter ailments.
That is why it is better to prepare onion stocks in advance. However, not every housewife knows how to store onions in such a way that all its beneficial properties are preserved. This article will focus on just that.
Before storing, onions must be thoroughly dried in the sun to avoid the possibility of rotting in the future. It is better to remove the onion from the garden (or buy it on the market) in the summer – this way it will be better stored.
When choosing onions for storage, give preference to golden onions – they will be stored the longest. Slightly less stored purple and white onions. The bulb should not be damaged, the scales should be dense without gaps.
To exclude further germination of the onion, carefully inspect its top. Onions with a dry tail and a flat rounded base will not germinate. If you notice white seedlings on the bottom of the bulb, it is better not to take it – it will not last long.
Carefully feel each bulb: it should be dry, hard and smooth. Only such a bulb will be stored for a long time – it has completed all its internal growth processes and can overwinter well.
Do not rush to cut off the tops of the onion – with its help, the onion can be braided and stored in limbo. Twine or rope will help to link the bulbs with each other. Such a pigtail can also decorate your kitchen, make it cozy and will testify to your housekeeping.
If you prefer to cut off the tails of onions, then it is better to store them in a cardboard box, wicker basket or in a wooden box. In any case, the storage container should provide the onions with the necessary air ventilation to prevent rotting.
Many housewives make a common mistake and store onions in the refrigerator. You should not do this, it is better to keep a place in the refrigerator for storing other products. The optimum temperature for storing onions is +18 – +24°. At this temperature, all the beneficial properties of onions are preserved.
Properly stored onions can provide you with supplies until the next harvest.