Knowing how to store green onions is key to having this fresh ingredient on hand to flavor dishes! They can either be sliced, cut, or left whole and then placed in a jar or a bag to save them for later. With these 3 simple methods, you’ll have fresh green onions ready and waiting anytime you need them!
Many recipes call for green onions, however, they are hard to keep fresh if you don’t know how to correctly store them. Thankfully, you can cut green onions immediately and then save more for later!
There are three simple ways to store these versatile vegetables. First, the paper towel and bag method, second, in a jar, and third, pop them on the windowsill.
The main thing to remember is that they need a bit of moisture or humidity if you want to keep them nice and firm.
Wilted green onions will soon become a thing of the past and you’ll have fresh scallions anytime you need them.
Storing Green Onions
Here are the three simple methods for storing green onions to keep them fresh for weeks:
Paper Towel Method
This first option is good if don’t have the root end intact. If you like to prep your vegetables when you get home from the store, go ahead and cut the green onions as you would use them.
Next, wrap the scallions in a damp paper towel. The trick is to not let the towel have too much water, as that can cause rotting. Another option would be to wrap the green onions in a dry paper towel and then spritz or drip water onto the towel, again avoiding excess moisture.
Place the paper-towel-wrapped veggies in a plastic bag, it does not need to be sealed tight. And then put them in the crisper drawer in your fridge.
With this storage method, green onions should last for up to 2-3 weeks. Periodically check the towel to ensure it stays moist.
Jar Method
If you have a heavy-bottomed jar, then you can store the green onions upright in the fridge. This is a great option if the roots are still intact.
Put enough cold water in to cover the bottom of the green onions, and ensure the jar is tall enough to support the scallions without them falling over. Place a bag over the vegetables and the container and put everything in the fridge.
Storing a bunch of green onions like this will give them a shelf life of 2-3 weeks. Refill the water as necessary.
Window Method
Something unique about green onions is that they will actually continue to grow in the right conditions. This way, they can last months if water is switched out enough. This is a great economical option since you get more green onions than you bought!
To keep green onions growing, place the bulbs in a jar with water, similar to the jar method in the fridge. However, do not cover them with a bag this time. Rather, leave the container sitting on a windowsill that gets plenty of light.
Keep the roots covered with water and you will have green onions for months!
Freezing Green Onions
Pat the green onions dry first to avoid freezer burn or ice crystals.
Slice them into smaller pieces and then place in a freezer-safe container. Toss after 1 hour to keep them from freezing to each other. Alternatively, you can place them on a sheet pan and flash freeze for 1-2 hours. Then, put them in the container you’ll be storing them in.
Check out this guide for more thorough directions on how to freeze green onions.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Moisture and humidity. These are essential to keeping green onions fresh!
- Keep it wet. Be sure to keep water in the jar or on the paper towel throughout the duration of storing.
- Save the roots. Keeping the green onions intact can help them last even longer.
- Grow some more. Store green onions in water on the windowsill to replenish your supply.
- Prep-ahead. Slicing green onions and storing them properly can save you time during dinner prep.
FAQs
It is possible to freeze these vegetables. Slice them into smaller chunks and place them in a freezer-safe container. After 1-2 hours, toss the green onions to keep them from freezing in a chunk. Here is a great guide to freezing green onions.
There are three simple ways to preserve green onions. Be sure to keep them moist with either a wet paper towel or in a jar with water, then cover in a bag and place in the fridge. Or, skip the bag and place the jar on the windowsill.
If you want green onions thawed, move them from the freezer to the fridge and allow them to sit overnight. Alternatively, green onions will thaw while cooking, as well.
Green onions are delicious in soups and stews, salads, potatoes, rice, and sauces, among other things.
Recipes with Green Onions
Try any of these delicious recipes with green onions:
P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
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How to Store Green Onions
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Ingredients
- 1-3 bunches green onions
Instructions
- Paper Towel Method: Loosely wrap the green onions in a damp paper towel and then palace in a zip-top bag. Either seal the bag partially or leave it open. Write the date on the outside of the bag and store in the refrigerator. Add additional water to the paper towel as it dries out.
- Jar Method: Place the root end of the green onions in a jar that has been filled with at least ½ cup of water. Place a plastic zip-top bag or the grocery bag they came in on top of it. Seal most of the base by zipping up the zip-top bag or placing a rubber band around the base so moisture is trapped inside. Store the green onions in the refrigerator and be sure to replace the water every few days.
- Window Method: Place the root end of the green onions in a jar that has been filled with at least ½ cup of water. Keep the jar of onions in a windowsill, replacing the water every few days to keep it fresh.
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Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I loved the storing & growing green onions tip… we buy a bunch of green onions – cut roots with about two inches of green – place in small jar just covering roots with water on windowsill. As water level lowers keep adding small amt of water..Voila more green onions in a couple of weeks. 🙂
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the tips, Danny! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!