How long green onions last in the fridge and freezer
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 1 week
Keep them in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, which is the FDA's advice for perishable fresh produce.
Watch out Cut away damaged or bruised areas before using green onions, and throw away any that look rotten.
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Freezer
Keeps for 10-12 months
For most vegetables that freeze well, the USDA says to blanch them, then chill them rapidly before freezing.
Green onions last 1 week in the refrigerator, counted from the date of purchase. They keep 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Green onions are also called spring onions or scallions. Throw away any that look rotten.
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Green onions last 1 week in the refrigerator, according to USDA FoodKeeper. They keep 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Both times count from the date of purchase.
Green onions are also called spring onions or scallions, and FoodKeeper lists them as spring or green onions. This guide covers where to keep them, how to freeze them, and when to throw them away.
How to store green onions
Store green onions in the refrigerator for 1 week or in the freezer for 10 to 12 months, according to FoodKeeper.
Storage starts at the store. Choose green onions that are not bruised or damaged, as the FDA’s guide to selecting and serving produce safely advises. If you buy them pre-cut or packaged, choose only ones that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice, then refrigerate them at home.
How to keep green onions fresh in the fridge
To store green onions in the fridge, keep them in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and use them within 1 week of the date you bought them. The 1 week is FoodKeeper’s time for green onions, and 40°F (4°C) is the FDA’s advice for perishable fresh produce.
Do green onions need to be refrigerated?
Yes, keep them in the fridge. The FDA says to refrigerate perishable fresh produce, and FoodKeeper gives green onions 1 week there.
How long do green onions last?
Green onions last 1 week in the fridge and 10 to 12 months in the freezer. FoodKeeper counts both times from the date of purchase.
Yellow, white, and red onions last 2 months in the fridge, and leeks last 1 to 2 weeks. Both keep for 10 to 12 months in the freezer.
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Green onions (spring onions, scallions) | 1 week | 10 to 12 months |
| Yellow, white, and red onions | 2 months | 10 to 12 months |
| Leeks | 1 to 2 weeks | 10 to 12 months |
How long do green onions last in the fridge?
Green onions last 1 week in the fridge, counted from the date of purchase. Scallions and spring onions are other names for green onions, so the same week applies.
Can you freeze green onions?
Yes, you can freeze green onions, and FoodKeeper gives them 10 to 12 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase.
How to freeze green onions
The USDA’s general method for freezing vegetables is to blanch them first. Most vegetables that freeze well are low acid and need brief, partial cooking before freezing to prevent deterioration.
Blanch or partially cook them in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill them rapidly before freezing. The USDA explains the method in Freezing and Food Safety.
How to wash green onions
Wash green onions under plain running water before you prepare or eat them, and rub them gently as you rinse. The FDA says there’s no need for soap or a produce wash.
Soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash aren’t recommended, because produce is porous and can absorb them. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them, so dry the green onions with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further. The FDA lists these steps in its tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables.
How to tell if green onions are bad
Throw away green onions that look rotten. If some are bruised or damaged, cut those areas away before you prepare or eat them.
Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze scallions?
Yes, you can freeze scallions. They're another name for green onions, which FoodKeeper gives 10 to 12 months in the freezer from the date of purchase.
Do green onions last longer than regular onions?
Not in the fridge. Green onions last 1 week there, while yellow, white, and red onions last 2 months, according to FoodKeeper.
Can you use green onions that are bruised?
Yes, after you cut away the damaged or bruised areas. Throw the green onions away if they look rotten.
What temperature should the fridge be for green onions?
Keep a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. That is the FDA's advice for perishable fresh produce.
Do you need soap to wash green onions?
No. Rub them gently under plain running water instead, because soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash aren't recommended.
