We all know it is not necessary to refrigerate onions before they are cut, unless you wish to extend their shelf life. However, once they are peeled, sliced or diced, they should be refrigerated.
Whether refrigerated or not, the great temptation is to store them in a plastic bag due to their strong odor. However, according to the National Onion Association, you should never store a whole onion in a plastic bag. They actually recommend wrapping them in paper towels or newspaper and placing them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. That allows for air ventilation.
But wait! Air ventilation for the onion is exactly what the rest of my food does not want. Not only does the other food not like it, I'm not real keen on onion smell permeating my refrigerator, kitchen, or my pantry. Therefore, it became necessary for me to seek out a different method for onion storage.
I've tried keeping onions in a Tupperware containers, refrigerator sandwich bags when diced, Saran wrapped plates, tucked away in the refrigerator drawer, and even sitting next to an open box of baking soda. I still smelled those onions! Plus, I really hated that residual smell in my Tupperware, which I use for many other things.
I finally found a solution that works for me!
Refrigerator Onion Keeper
Hutzler Onion Saver, YellowCheck PriceI will be the first to admit that I was really surprised when this inexpensive onion keeper actually worked. Now before I go too far, the keeper itself always reeks of onion smell, even after being washed. But, once it is closed, sweet nothing! No more onion odor!!! Made me want to buy 5 of them. I have no idea what I would do with 5 onion keepers, but I was so pleased with the results, I somehow wanted to show my great appreciation to the little "onion".
I also love the looks of my onion keeper. I know exactly where my onion is now. It is no longer hiding in plain sight disguised as a Tupperware bowl.
The Hutzler Onion Saver is dishwasher safe, but the inside still smells like onion after it is washed. That is fine with me as long as it blocks the odor in my refrigerator, which it does! I have washed it several times on the top rack of my dishwasher. My onion keeper still seals properly and works perfectly. You can safely store an onion, whole or cut, in the refrigerator for 7 - 10 days. The Onion Saver has a circular grid in the bottom that keeps the onion elevated for better air circulation within the keeper. Obviously, that is not as well ventilated as open air, or a paper towel, but it beats the odor!
I doubt seriously that the Hutzler Onion Saver will last for years, but sometimes we are pleasantly surprised. Regardless, it cost less than a box of refrigerator sandwich bags and doesn't have to be thrown away after each use.
Ok this sounds like a great product. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! An onion keeper shaped like an onion. Seriously, this looks like another of those perfect products created to fill a need. In this case, the need to keep an onion from extending its scent into unwanted areas. Cute and colorful storage, too. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I like the looks of this little onion keeper. No surprise what's inside for sure. But, I don't mind the smell of onions. Still I agree that in the fridge, Jello and onions are not a good mix. So for that alone I think I should consider this for my kitchen. Thanks for this review.
ReplyDeleteI always love a new kitchen gadget - agree onions are a challenge to store!
ReplyDeleteI have looked at these a few times, but I doubted that it would actually work. Glad you've tested that out for me as we could seriously use a couple of these!
ReplyDeleteThat's a handy item to have. I've used the ones for lemons and tomatoes but not for onions. Thanks for the heads up on this nifty little gadget. Will have to consider this. Sure do get tired of putting them in baggies or other containers that end up reeking of onion smell.
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