Green onions should always be in your refrigerator. The quick-growing allium (often referred to as scallions) can take a dish from good to great, providing flavor, texture, and color, whether used as a base for a recipe or a garnish placed at the end. It should be noted that green onions are different ingredients from chives and spring onions, although they can all be stored in similar ways. But do you know how to store green onions?
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But, as with many fresh greens, scallions can quickly turn limp and slimy if you don't properly store them, and no one likes food waste. But don't let that dissuade you from purchasing! Just follow these simple tips to keep you rolling in fresh green onions for weeks... and maybe even longer.
How To Store Green Onions
Store in the Refrigerator
"Duh," you say, "...of course you put them in the refrigerator." But it's less about the location, and more about the method, which can work with a variety of similar greens and herbs. First, remove the rubber bands from the scallions cut off the root end, but do not discard them. Then cut the alliums in half, separating the green tops from the white part. Wipe off any excess moisture they may be carrying before loosely wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in a plastic bag or another airtight container. Once sealed, place them in your crisper drawer and reach for them often.
Store on the Windowsill
My preferred storage method is simpler than any involving a refrigerator: I opt to place my scallions directly into a jar of water before putting the jar in the window. To do so, use a high-sided jar (such as a mason jar) and make sure to place the green onions root-side-down. Fill with a few inches of cold water. Not only will they stay fresh, but they will also continue to grow! Just be sure to add water to the jar every few days.Likewise, if you opted to store your scallions in the refrigerator, you can place the cut-off roots in a few inches of water and watch your crop regenerate.
Store in the Freezer
I firmly believe the option to freeze green onions should be taken only when all others are exhausted. However, we all have lapses in using our produce in a reasonable amount of time (even with the best food storage practices)! If you don't think you'll be able to finish your green onions before they rot, place them in a freezer bag, either alone or with other discarded veggies, before labeling and tossing in your freezer. Alone, they can be used in applications like omelets, where their crunchy texture isn't crucial, or they can be added to soups and stews. I tend to keep ours in a big bag full of old carrots, droopy celery, and mushroom stems, which all get made into a delicious stock once the storage container is completely full.
By learning how to store green onions, you'll be sure to extend the shelf life of your green onions for weeks.
