How To Preserve Spring Onions For Long Time Storage

Join Us on WhatsApp

Spring onions are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes. However, they can be perishable, which means that they need to be properly stored to maintain their freshness and quality.

Preserving spring onions for long-term storage is a great way to make sure you have a ready supply of this nutritious vegetable. Start by removing the roots and any wilted leaves. Next, blanch the onions in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then plunge them into ice water. Once fully cooled, pat them dry and store in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container or bag, where they should last up to 2 weeks.

How To Preserve Spring Onions

Spring onions are a tasty and versatile vegetable that can be used in many different dishes. Whether you grow your own or buy them from the grocery store, it’s important to know how to preserve them so that you can enjoy them for as long as possible.

Checkout below the three different ways to preserve spring onions.

Option 1: Refrigeration

Refrigeration is the easiest and most common way to preserve spring onions. With proper storage, you can keep them fresh for up to two weeks. Here’s how to do it:

Remove any rubber bands or ties that are holding the spring onions together. Cut off any roots that are still attached, but leave the white and green parts intact.
Rinse the spring onions under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
Wrap the spring onions in a damp paper towel. By doing so, it can help retain their moisture and avoid dehydration.

Place the wrapped spring onions in a plastic bag or airtight container. Make sure there is some air circulation, but not too much. You can poke a few small holes in the bag or container lid to achieve this.
Store the spring onions in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer or on a shelf. The ideal temperature for spring onions is between 32°F and 40°F.
Check on the spring onions every few days to make sure they are still fresh. If the paper towel feels dry, dampen it with a little water.

Option 2: Freezing

Freezing spring onions is a great option if you want to preserve them for longer than two weeks. Frozen spring onions are best used in cooked dishes, as they will lose their crisp texture. Here’s how to freeze spring onions:

Wash and dry the spring onions as described in step 1 and 2 of the refrigeration method.

Cut the spring onions into small pieces, about 1/4 inch in size.
Place the cut spring onions into a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the container or bag tightly.
Please affix a label on the container or bag indicating the date and the items it contains.

Place the container or bag in the freezer. The ideal temperature for freezing is 0°F or below.

Option 3: Dehydration

Dehydrating spring onions is a great option if you want to preserve them for a long time and use them in various dishes. Dehydrated spring onions can be stored for up to a year and are great in soups, stews, and sauces. Here’s how to dehydrate spring onions:

Wash and dry the spring onions as described in step 1 and 2 of the refrigeration method.
Cut off the roots and trim any wilted or damaged parts of the spring onions.
Cut the spring onions into small pieces, about 1/8

Place the pieces of spring onion in a dehydrator. If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use an oven set to its lowest temperature.
Dehydrate the spring onions until they are completely dry and crispy. This will take about 8 to 12 hours in a dehydrator or 2 to 4 hours in an oven.
Store the dehydrated spring onions in an airtight container or resealable bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a year.

Recipes that use preserved spring onions

Preserved spring onions can be used in a variety of recipes, from soups and stews to salads and sauces. Here are three delicious recipes that use preserved spring onions:

Recipe 1: Spring onion pesto

Ingredients:

1 cup preserved spring onions (either frozen or dehydrated)

1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

If using frozen spring onions, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

If using dehydrated spring onions, rehydrate them by soaking them in water for 10 minutes.

In a food processor or blender, combine the spring onions, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the pesto with pasta, grilled chicken, or as a dip for vegetables.

Recipe 2: Spring onion and potato soup

2 cups preserved spring onions (either frozen or refrigerated)

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
3 cups diced potatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

If using frozen spring onions, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

In a large pot, combine the spring onions, broth, and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
One way to make the soup smooth is by using an immersion blender. Another option is to transfer the soup to a blender and blend it in several batches.
Mix the heavy cream into the mixture and add salt and pepper according to your taste.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional spring onions if desired.

Recipe 3: Spring onion frittata

2 cups preserved spring onions (either frozen or refrigerated)

8 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

If using frozen spring onions, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the spring onions.

Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown on top.
Let the frittata cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips For Storing Dehydrated Onions:

Store the dehydrated onions in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents so that you know how long they’ve been stored.

Rehydrate the onions by soaking them in water for a few minutes before using them in a recipe.

Tips for maximizing shelf life

Keep the spring onions away from other vegetables that produce ethylene gas, such as tomatoes and avocados. Ethylene gas can cause the onions to spoil more quickly.

Don’t store the spring onions near the back of the fridge, where the temperature is coldest. It is possible for them to freeze and turn into a soft, pulpy texture.

Tips for proper packaging and labeling

Use a container or bag that is freezer-safe to prevent freezer burn.

Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents so that you know how long they’ve been frozen.

Benefits Of Preserving Spring Onions

Availability: Preserving spring onions extends their shelf life, making them available even when they are out of season.
Cost-effectiveness: Preserving spring onions allows you to buy in bulk when they are in season and cheaper, thereby saving you money.
Convenience: Preserving spring onions in different ways provides you with an easy and quick ingredient to use in recipes all year round.

Reduced food waste: Preserving spring onions helps to reduce food waste by preventing spoilage and allowing you to use them before they go bad.

Challenges Of Preserving Spring Onions

Quality: The quality of preserved spring onions may not be as good as fresh ones, especially when they have been frozen or refrigerated.

Limited use: Some preservation methods may limit the use of spring onions in certain recipes, as the texture and flavor may be affected.
Storage space: Preserving spring onions requires storage space, which may be limited in some kitchens.
Preparation time: Some preservation methods, such as dehydrating, can be time-consuming and may require special equipment.

Factors That Affect Spring Onion Preservation

Temperature: Spring onions should be stored at the right temperature, as extreme temperatures can affect their quality and spoilage.
Moisture: Spring onions should be kept dry to prevent mold growth and spoilage.

Air exposure: Spring onions should be stored in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent air exposure, which can cause freezer burn or spoilage.
Freshness: Preserving fresh spring onions provides better quality results than using already-wilted or low-quality onions.

How To Store Spring Onions For Months

Spring onions can be stored for several months if you use the right preservation method. One of the easiest ways to store spring onions for months is by freezing them. To do this, first wash and chop the spring onions into small pieces.

Then, spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze them for a few hours. After freezing, move the items to a sealed container or freezer bag and keep them stored in the freezer. Frozen spring onions can last for up to 6 months.

How To Store Spring Onions Without Fridge

If you don’t have access to a fridge, you can still store spring onions by using a dry and cool place. First, clean the spring onions and cut off the root ends. Then, wrap the onions in a dry paper towel and place them in a paper bag.

Store the paper bag in a cool and dry place, such as a pantry or a cellar. This method can keep your spring onions fresh for up to 2 weeks.

How Long Do Spring Onions Last In Fridge

When properly stored, spring onions can last up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge. To store spring onions in the fridge, first, clean the onions and cut off the root ends.

Then, wrap the onions in a damp paper towel and place them in an airtight container or a plastic bag. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for storage.

Keeping Spring Onions Fresh In Water

Keeping spring onions in water is another way to store them and keep them fresh for longer. To do this, first, cut off the root ends of the spring onions and place them in a jar or a glass filled with water.

Read Also: How To Process Cashew Nuts At Home

Cover the jar with a plastic bag and store it in the fridge Changing the water every few days can help maintain the freshness of the onions. This method can keep your spring onions fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.

How Long To Store Green Onions

Green onions can last for up to 2 weeks when properly stored in the fridge. To store green onions, clean them and cut off the root ends. Then, wrap them in a damp paper towel and store them in an airtight container or plastic bag in the fridge.

Alternatively, you can keep green onions fresh in water by placing them in a jar or a glass filled with water and storing them in the fridge.

How To Store Green Onions In A Mason Jar

Storing green onions in a mason jar is a convenient and practical way to keep them fresh. First, clean the green onions and cut off the root ends. Then, place them in a mason jar, leaving some space at the top.

Fill the jar with water, covering the onions. Cover the jar with a plastic bag and store it in the fridge. Changing the water every few days can help maintain the freshness of the onions. This method can keep your green onions fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Preserving spring onions is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy their unique flavor and nutritional benefits all year round. So next time you have some spring onions on hand, try one of these preservation methods and see how you can elevate your cooking game.

How To Preserve Spring Onions For Long Time Storage