While refrigerating onions is common, there is a better approach to make them last longer that many people are unaware of.

It may seem like common sense to place all your vegetables in the fridge, especially in summer as the weather gets warmer, but it is actually not one of the recommended places to store onions and garlic.

Keeping onions in the fridge causes them to be exposed to moisture and cold, which will convert the starch in an onion into sugar resulting in them becoming soft and spoiled.

According to Bon Appétit, moisture and light can cause onions to mould and sprout, so it’s best to store them in a dry, well-ventilated basket, bin, or large bowl.

They recommend keeping onions out of direct sunlight and in a cool, but not freezing, area with good air circulation.

Recipe developer Sarah Jampel shares that she stores her onions in a cabinet with baking dishes but hopes to eventually store them in crates in a garage or cellar.

She also advises keeping onions away from potatoes, as the proximity can cause potatoes to rot.

Shop Food Waste suggests removing onions from any plastic bags they were purchased in, as the trapped moisture can lead to spoilage.

Instead, they recommend using a net or mesh bag for better airflow, or a perforated basket or bin. If you don’t have these items, an old pair of tights can be repurposed.

Place onions into one leg, tie a knot above each one, and repeat until the leg is full. This method allows the tights to be easily hung for storage.

Onions can last up to a year if stored at temperatures between -1 and 10 degrees Celsius.

Otherwise, they will typically stay fresh for several weeks. However, not all types of onions or alliums should be stored the same way.

For example, spring onions, sweet onions, leeks, garlic, and chives should be kept in the fridge.

The experts recommend unbundling anything that comes in a bunch, like spring onions, wrapping them in a damp paper towel, and then placing them in a bag or airtight container for optimal freshness.