Worried About Onions Rotting In The Rain? Here’s How To Store Them Right | Lifestyle News

Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 13:06 IST

During monsoon, onions often rot due to moisture. Follow these simple storage tips to keep them fresh longer and avoid waste in your kitchen

Onions are a staple in Indian cooking. From curries to stir-fries, they are used in almost every dish, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that no other vegetable comes close in terms of usage. Many homemakers find it nearly impossible to cook without onions. However, during certain seasons, especially the monsoon, onion prices shoot up, prompting families to buy and store them in bulk.

But this is where the problem begins. During the rainy season, onions often spoil due to excess moisture. Sometimes a single rotten onion leads to several more going bad around it. This not only causes wastage but also adds to household stress. So, how should one store onions properly? Here are five simple tips to make your onions last longer and reduce the chances of spoilage.

1. Store Onions In A Cool, Dry, And Dark Place: Avoid keeping them in direct sunlight or damp areas such as bathrooms or kitchen sinks. A well-ventilated spot is ideal to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic bags trap moisture and stop air circulation, causing onions to rot faster. Instead, store them in mesh bags, wicker baskets, or steel baskets to help them stay fresh for longer.
3. Don’t Store Onions With Potatoes: Many homemakers make this common mistake, but storing onions and potatoes together can cause both to spoil faster.
4. Use Vertical Mesh Baskets: Large, vertical mesh-style baskets are ideal for storing onions. They allow air to circulate and keep the onions off the ground.
5. Wooden-Strip Method: Another effective method is to place three wooden planks or basswood strips on the floor and then keep the onions, preferably in mesh bags, on top. This ensures air flow from all sides and prevents moisture from building up underneath.

Every 7 to 10 days, go through your stored onions and remove any that are rotten. One bad onion can spoil the whole batch, so regular checks are essential.

First Published: