Rotting of onions during storage is a fairly common phenomenon. Under optimal conditions, it retains its freshness for a long time, so you can enjoy its taste even out of season. Otherwise, the vegetables spoil quickly, become soft and moldy and spread an unpleasant smell. How to store onions so they don’t rot? Try this reliable way to keep it fresh and strong.

Why do onions rot?

Onions are a basic ingredient in our kitchen – they give dishes a characteristic taste and enrich their aroma, and they also contain a lot of valuable nutrients that can contribute to good health. If you want to enjoy the freshness and intense taste of this vegetable for a long time, you must store it properly. With the right conditions, onions can be prevented from rotting so that they remain fresh and firm for a long time. On the other hand, improper storage of vegetables can lead to various problems, including an increased risk of developing storage diseases. These are most often caused by fungi and bacteria that are already on the onion during harvesting or storage. They spread very quickly and their development is supported by inappropriate storage conditions. Why do onions rot?

  • Gray mold – this is one of the most dangerous storage diseases of onions, which can appear before digging the vegetables out of the ground and during storage. Infected onions rot, turn brown, soften and form a dusty gray coating.
  • Wet rot of onions – occurs most often during storage and is favorably affected by high temperatures and humidity. The disease manifests itself as dark spots, while the tissues in the affected area soften and decay. As a result, the vegetable cracks, rots and turns into a slimy liquid.
  • Dry rot – the development of the disease is supported by damage to the bulbs during harvesting, frost or nitrogen fertilization. As a result, a blue or gray-green coating appears around the neck or at the site of damage, while the bulbs begin to rot and emit a musty smell.

How to store onions so they don’t rot? Home remedies

Only healthy and undamaged onions are suitable for storage. After digging, the outer skins must be completely dried to reduce the risk of mold and rot. Onion storage begins with the creation of optimal conditions. The key element is ensuring the correct temperature. Vegetables retain their freshness for the longest time at a temperature of around 0 °C (a cellar, pantry or unheated garage is ideal for this purpose). Store onions in a dry, shady place with good ventilation and a humidity of 60-70%. In these conditions, onions can last for several months. During storage, you must check whether the vegetables show signs of disease or pests.

How to store onions so they don’t rot? Try a simple but effective method that will keep the headers fresh and strong for a long time. Simply insert the headers into nylon stockings or pantyhose and tie knots between each header (the headers should not touch each other). Store them in a cool, dry and well-ventilated room. Storing onions in stockings allows for long-term storage of vegetables, as it protects them from moisture and light.

How to store onions so they don’t rot? The method is simple