When purchasing green onions, or scallions, they are usually sold in bundles and it’s rare to use them all at once. This leaves us with the challenge of keeping the remaining scallions fresh until their next use. Wilted, slimy, or browning scallions are never desirable.
![Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu]
## The Best Way to Store Green Onions
Based on years of experiments, a tried-and-true method of storing scallions has been discovered. Begin by removing any packaging or rubber bands from the bunch and separating them. Discard any slimy onions into the compost. Then, lay the green onions on a dry paper towel, spaced apart a little, cover with another dry paper towel and carefully roll them into a bundle. This bundle should be placed in a zip-top bag from which most of the air should be squeezed out before sealing. This is best stored in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Remember not to wash the green onions before storing, as this can shorten their lifespan. They should only be washed prior to using.
## Why This Method Works
Trapped moisture is the key culprit when it comes to wilting green onions. A moisture balance is needed – enough to prevent them from drying out but not so much that it speeds up their spoilage. Using paper towels helps avoid over-accumulation of moisture and a sealed bag deters them from drying out. Stored in this way, green onions often last two to three weeks.
![Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu]
## Green Onion Storage Hacks to Avoid
Several other preservation techniques, including some popular on TikTok, have been tested but found less effective or practical. Trying to freeze scallions to retain their freshness was a particularly bad idea as the water content turned to ice, leaving the green onions damp and dull.
Another approach involved keeping the scallion roots submerged in water to allow for growth while cutting off the tops as needed. While it appears an attractive idea to grow your own scallions in the apartment kitchen, in reality, it’s impractical. It takes time, regular water changes are needed and the scallions lose flavor over time.
So, the next time you have leftover green onions, this storage method guarantees longer-lasting freshness.
