Why You Should Never Store Onions Next to Potatoes

Most kitchens have a pantry or basket where onions and potatoes are kept together. It may seem convenient because both vegetables prefer cool, dark places. But food storage experts have found that their shelf lives are reduced when stored together. One of the easiest ways to reduce food waste and prolong the life of pantry staples is to keep them separate, as Cooking Office learned when revisiting food storage tips. 

Why Onions and Potatoes Don’t Mix

Onions and potatoes require similar storage conditions but can affect each other’s storage life. 

As potatoes age, they lose moisture and give off small amounts of gases naturally. Excess moisture can cause mold, soft spots, and early spoilage in onions.

Although onions are not major producers of ethylene gas, storing them with potatoes can create conditions that increase moisture and accelerate spoilage for both foods 

Storing them together does not help prolong their freshness. 

Potato Storage Ideas 

Potatoes will keep best in:

• A cool location
• From a dark space away from sunlight
• A dry, well-ventilated area.

Paper bags, cardboard boxes, or wire baskets are suitable as they permit air circulation. 

Do not put potatoes in a completely airtight plastic bag as they may become damp and spoil.

The Best Way to Store Onions

Onions have to be air circulated to keep them fresh.

Store them in:

• A cool, dry pantry
• Mesh bags
• Open baskets
• Well-ventilated containers

It is particularly important to keep onions dry, as excess moisture can contribute to mold growth.

Onions should not be stored in plastic bags unless there are holes for ventilation, just like potatoes.

Should They Be Refrigerated?

Onions and potatoes are generally best stored at room temperature in unrefrigerated conditions. 

In fact, refrigerating whole potatoes can affect their starch content, and whole onions will keep best in a cool pantry with good air circulation. 

But if an onion has been peeled or cut, it will need to be refrigerated in an airtight container and used within a few days.

Other Foods to Keep Away From Potatoes

Potatoes should be kept away from fruits that emit higher levels of ethylene gas, such as:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Pears

Ethylene-producing fruits can encourage potatoes to sprout more quickly. 

A Simple Change That Helps Food Last Longer

One of the simplest ways to minimize food waste is through proper storage! Separate containers for potatoes and onions allow them to maintain their freshness for longer.

This takes up just a few additional inches of shelf space, but this change could result in fewer wasted vegetables, less waste, and more delicious ingredients for your next meal.