How long does Onions last?
In the freezer: 240 days
In the pantry: 60 days
Whole onions last 1–2 months in a cool dry pantry, more than most produce. Once cut, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a week — they release strong odors that infect everything nearby. Sprouted onions are still usable; the inner layers stay good even when the outer skin or green shoot appears. Frozen chopped onions keep 6–8 months without quality loss in cooked dishes. Refrigerated whole onions actually last shorter than pantry-stored ones because the humidity softens them.
How to store it
- Mesh bag or open basket in cool dry pantry
- Never with potatoes
- Cut onions: sealed container in fridge, up to a week
- Away from odor-absorbing foods
- Freeze chopped portions for cooking convenience
Signs it has gone bad
- Soft or mushy spots on the bulb
- Visible mold (white or black)
- Strong rotten or sulfurous smell beyond normal onion pungency
- Slime or wet patches on outer layers
Signs it has gone bad
How long do onions last?
Whole onions last 1–2 months in a cool dry pantry. Cut onions keep up to a week refrigerated in a sealed container.
Should you refrigerate onions?
Whole onions last longer in a cool pantry than the fridge. Only refrigerate after cutting or peeling.
Can sprouted onions be eaten?
Yes — the inner layers are fine. Remove the green shoot if you don't want a slightly bitter taste, or use it as a chive substitute.