How Long Do Sweet Onions Last?

Shelf Life Tips

• How long do sweet onions (including Vidalia onions) last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - after purchasing, keep whole raw sweet onions in a dry, dark area.
• How long do sweet onions (including Vidalia onions) last at room temperature? Whole raw sweet onions will last for 1 to 2 months in a cool (45-55° F; warmer than the refrigerator, but colder than normal room temperature) dark area.
• If a cool, dark area is not available, then sweet onions should be refrigerated to ensure maximum shelf life.
• How long do sweet onions (including Vidalia onions) last in the refrigerator? Properly stored, whole raw sweet onions will last for 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator.
• To extend the shelf life of sweet onions, store sweet onions in a loosely covered paper or mesh bag or basket to allow for air circulation; do not store sweet onions in plastic bags, as the lack of air movement will reduce their shelf life.
• To further extend the shelf life of sweet onions, do not store sweet onions near potatoes, as the chemical reaction will speed the spoilage of both.
• How long do raw sweet onions last after they've been sliced or chopped? Chopped raw sweet onions will last 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator; store in covered airtight containers.
• How long do sweet onions last in the fridge once they have been cooked? Cooked sweet onions will usually stay good for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and 10 to 12 months in the freezer.
• Can you freeze raw sweet onions? Yes, to freeze: (1) Peel, then slice or chop sweet onions; (2) Place in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• How long do raw sweet onions last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 10 to 12 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
• The freezer time shown is for best quality only - sweet onions that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
• How to tell if sweet onions are bad or spoiled? Sweet onions that are spoiling will typically become soft and discolored, and will often develop dark patches; discard any sweet onions that have an off smell or appearance.

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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here