How to store whole, halved, and chopped onions
Quick answer
-
Room temperature
Keeps for 1 month
Keep whole onions in the pantry, in a mesh bag or a woven basket rather than a plastic bag.
-
Fridge
Keeps for 2 months
Keep whole onions in the fridge and use them within 2 months of buying them.
Watch out FoodKeeper gives no time for cut or chopped onions, so don't count on the 2 months for them.
-
Freezer
Keeps for 10-12 months
Freeze onions and count the 10 to 12 months from the date of purchase.
Watch out FoodKeeper gives no separate freezer time for chopped or sliced onions.
Whole yellow, white, and red onions keep 1 month in the pantry, 2 months in the fridge, and 10 to 12 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase. Those are USDA FoodKeeper times. FoodKeeper gives no separate time for cut or chopped onions.
Buying onions this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Whole onions keep 1 month in the pantry, 2 months in the fridge, and 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Those are the USDA FoodKeeper times for yellow, white, and red onions, counted from the date of purchase.
FoodKeeper lists green onions on their own line, and they have their own guide here. It has no line for cut or chopped onions, so this guide sticks to what the USDA and FDA say about produce in general.
How long do onions last?
Whole onions last 1 month in the pantry, 2 months in the fridge, and 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Each time counts from the date of purchase.
| Where | Yellow, white, and red onions |
|---|---|
| Pantry | 1 month |
| Fridge | 2 months |
| Freezer | 10 to 12 months |
Do onions go bad?
Yes. Every FoodKeeper time for onions has an end, and the FDA says to throw away produce that looks rotten.
How to store onions
Keep whole onions in the pantry for 1 month or in the fridge for 2 months, and freeze them for 10 to 12 months. When you buy onions, choose ones that aren’t bruised or damaged.
Can you keep onions in the pantry?
Yes. Whole yellow, white, and red onions keep 1 month in the pantry, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
Keep them in a mesh bag or a woven basket, not in a plastic bag. FoodKeeper lists no separate time for the kitchen counter.
Should onions be refrigerated?
You can refrigerate them, and the fridge gives whole onions the longer time. FoodKeeper lists 2 months in the fridge against 1 month in the pantry.
The FDA says to keep perishable fresh produce in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
How to store cut onions
Refrigerate cut onions in an airtight container or a zipper bag. FoodKeeper has no line for half an onion or for chopped or sliced onions, so it gives no time for them.
The FDA says to refrigerate all produce you buy pre-cut or packaged.
Can you freeze onions?
Yes. USDA FoodKeeper gives onions 10 to 12 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase. That’s the longest of the three times, which makes the freezer the choice for storing onions long term.
How to freeze onions
Rinse the onions under plain running water, then peel and cut them. Put the pieces in a zipper bag or a container and freeze them.
Can you freeze chopped onions?
FoodKeeper has one freezer time for onions, 10 to 12 months, and it doesn’t separate whole onions from chopped or sliced ones. It counts that time from the date of purchase.
How to tell if an onion is bad
Throw away an onion that looks rotten, the FDA says.
If only part of the onion is damaged or bruised, cut that area away before you cook or eat it.
How to wash onions
Rinse onions under plain running water before you peel or cut them. Gently rub the surface, then dry the onion with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further.
Skip soap, detergent, and produce wash, because produce is porous and can absorb them. Washing reduces bacteria but does not eliminate them. Rinsing first also keeps dirt and bacteria from being carried from the surface when you peel or cut. The FDA covers this in its tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long do onions last on the counter?
FoodKeeper doesn't list a counter time. It gives whole onions 1 month in the pantry, counted from the date of purchase.
How long does half an onion last in the fridge?
FoodKeeper has no line for half an onion, so there's no USDA time to give. Refrigerate it in an airtight container or a zipper bag.
When do the storage times for onions start?
On the day you buy them. FoodKeeper counts the pantry, fridge, and freezer times for onions from the date of purchase.
What should you look for when buying pre-cut onions?
Choose only pre-cut or packaged onions that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice, the FDA says. Refrigerate them when you get home.
How long do frozen onions last?
USDA FoodKeeper gives onions 10 to 12 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase.
