Expiration & Storage Tips
When does spring onion expire?
Unopened bunches of spring onions can last for about 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Once you cut them, they can still last about a week if you wrap them in a damp paper towel and store them in a sealed bag in the refrigerator. It's not usually recommended to freeze spring onions as they might lose their crispiness, yet if you do choose to freeze them, they can last up to 10-12 months.
Homemade dishes that contain spring onions should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety. Should you still wish to freeze them, do so by washing, patting dry, chopping, and then placing in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
How do you tell if spring onion is bad?
Spring onions can go bad quite quickly and it's easy to tell when they have. You'll notice they've turned bad when they start to wilt, soften or develop a slimy texture. The green parts become faded, and the white parts can turn yellow or brown. The smell might also become sour or off-putting. If you spot any mold, it's best to throw the entire bunch away to avoid any health risks.
Tips for storing spring onion to extend shelf life
• Always store spring onions in the refrigerator, as they are highly perishable.
• To keep them fresh longer, wrap the bulbs in a damp paper towel or cloth and store the bundle in a sealed plastic bag.
• Don't wash them until you're ready to use them, as excess moisture can cause them to spoil faster.
• If you only use a portion of the spring onion, try to leave the roots intact. They will continue to absorb water and nutrients, helping to extend the onion's shelf life.
• To reduce waste, you can plant the ends of your spring onions in a pot of soil. Just leave a little bit of the green part sticking out and they'll begin to regrow!