Green onions are used in many recipes, but if you don’t know how to store them properly, it can be difficult to keep them fresh.
These adaptable vegetables can be stored in three simple ways; you can store them in a jar, put them in a bag with paper towels, or keep them on the windowsill.
We’ll go over each technique in this article so that you can always have fresh green onions for your recipes.
What Are Green Onions?
Fresh young onions known as “green onions,” often known as “scallions,” are recognized by their slender shape and mild flavor.
Although with less bite, the white stem has the same strong, sulfurous flavor that is typical of alliums.
The dark green leaves, meanwhile, taste fresher and more grassy.
Scallions have a potent aroma when first picked that is comparable to that of normal onions but notably brighter and earthier with hints of apple and garlic.
The allium plants that grow in clusters and have stringy roots are frequently referred to as “scallions” or “green onions” interchangeably.
How To Store Green Onions Using The Jar Method
If you have a jar with a thick bottom, you can put the green onions upright in the refrigerator.
If the roots are still there, this is a great option.
Make sure the jar is tall enough to hold the green onions without them tipping over and fill it with just enough cold water to cover the bottom of the green onions.
After that, cover the jar with a bag and put everything in the refrigerator.
Green onions can be kept for two to three weeks if they are stored in this way.
Fill with water as needed.
How To Store Green Onions Using The Paper Towel Method
This method works well if the root end is not intact.
The green onions should then be wrapped in a wet paper towel.
The key is to avoid getting too much water on the towel because that can lead to rotting.
Another choice would be to wrap the green onions in a dry paper towel, spritz or trickle water over the towel, and then wrap the towel around the green onions, again avoiding too much moisture.
Place the paper-towel-wrapped onions in a plastic bag; it does not need to be sealed tight.
After that, place them in your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer.
Your green onions should last for up to two to three weeks when stored in this way.
Check the towel occasionally to make sure it remains damp.
How To Store Green Onions Using The Window Method
Green onions are interesting in that, given the appropriate conditions, they will actually keep growing.
If enough water is changed out, they can last for several months.
Because you get more green onions than you originally purchased, this is a very economic choice!
Similar to the jar method, put the bulbs of green onions in a jar with water to keep them growing.
But this time, don’t put a bag over them.
Leave the pot on a windowsill that receives plenty of light instead.
You can enjoy your green onions for months if you keep the roots moist.
Storing Green Onions In The Freezer
You can also store green onions in the freezer, however, they won’t be as fresh when you cook with them, compared to the other methods.
If this doesn’t concern you, you can use the freezing method to store your green onions.
Before you freeze the onions, pat them dry so they don’t form ice crystals when you freeze them.
Then, slice them into small pieces and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Make sure you toss them after one hour to stop them from sticking together.
On a sheet pan, you can flash freeze them for 1-2 hours as an alternative.
After that, place them in the storage container.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Defrost Green Onions?
Green onions should be moved from the freezer to the refrigerator and left there overnight if you want them to thaw.
Alternatively, green onions will also thaw while they cook.
Do Fresh Green Onions Need To Be Stored In The Refrigerator?
Although regular white onions stay freshest at room temperature, green onions should be stored in the refrigerator if they’re not being left to grow on the windowsill.
This is because they are less like root vegetables and more like leafy greens, so should be treated as such.
Can You Store Green Onions That Are Sliced?
You can store chopped green onions by placing them in your refrigerator in an airtight container, however, they will only last around five days rather than two to three weeks.
Can Green Onions Be Stored Loose In The Refrigerator?
Although just placing green onions on a shelf or in a drawer in the refrigerator is not the best way to store them, you can do it if you plan to use the entire batch within a few days.
This is because green onions are easily dehydrated, so it won’t take long for you to notice that they are beginning to wilt and shrivel up.
They will stay fresh for at least a few days thanks to the refrigerator’s cool air.
Final Thoughts
With these storage methods, you’ll never have to worry about wilted green onions ever again!
You’ll always have fresh green onions at your disposal, and can even grow some more if you decide to store them on your windowsill!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb beef chuck
- 1 ½ lb oxtail
- 1 ½ lb beef shank
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 3 star anise
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 daikon cut into chunks
- 1 onion
- 1 ginger 2-inch piece
- 2 noodles
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Bean sprouts to taste
- 2 green onions minced
- 2 coriander
- Thai basil to taste
- Jalapeno peppers to taste, thinly sliced
Instructions
- To make beef pho, start by boiling the beef shank, ox tail, and beef chuck in enough water to cover the meat. Once the water boils, remove the meat and discard the water to get rid of impurities and any unpleasant flavors. Place the meat back in the pot and add fresh water and salt, making sure not to add too much water. Bring it to a boil.
- Meanwhile, broil the onion and ginger for 20 minutes in the oven, then set them aside. In a pan, sauté the coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom seeds, star anise, and cinnamon stick for 1-3 minutes, then put the spices in a piece of cheese cloth and tie it to create a spice pouch.
- Once the water in the pot boils, remove any impurities and add the onion, ginger, daikon, and spice pouch. Simmer for an hour and scoop out any impurities you see every 15 minutes. After an hour, remove the beef chuck and slice it into thin pieces. Simmer for another 30 minutes, then remove the ox tail and beef shank and slice the meat thinly. Put the bones back into the soup pot and simmer for an additional 1 ½ hours. Remove the spice pouch and discard it.
- To cook the pho noodles, boil them for about 2 minutes or until they’re done. Place them in a soup bowl and add fish sauce, bean sprouts, cilantro, and green onions on top. Add the beef chuck, beef shank, and ox tail meat you set aside earlier and ladle enough soup to cover everything. You can also add hoisin sauce and sriracha to your taste.
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My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.