Have you been looking for how to cut green onions? You are not alone. Adding green onions to your diet is a great way to enjoy the several health benefits packed in the vegetable. Also referred to as scallions, green onions are more than just an ordinary garnish. The vegetable is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and a host of phytonutrients for preventing cancer.
Green onions can be used in a variety of dishes. You will find them minced raw in salads, salsas, and tabbouleh – that delicious Lebanese recipe that will take you out of this world. The slender stalks are also preferred in cooked dishes like stir-fries and Asian dumplings.
This article will show you how to cut green onions to make the most of every part of the amazing vegetable. Let’s get straight into it.
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How to Cut Green Onions
While some people see this as a big deal, others think there is a special skill needed to cut their green onions. But below are the steps you need to follow to cut your scallions.
#1: Rinse your green onions
This is the first step. You will need to first rinse the onions to remove dirt from them. Gently scrub with the tips of your finger and under running water to make sure all the dirt that must have come with the onion during harvesting and shipping is thoroughly removed. Once your onions are clean, then you can move to the next step.
#2: Cut the ends
The next thing is to cut off the root end of the scallion. Although this part is also edible, they are not as appetizing as the other parts of the vegetable. So, you may need to remove them. To cut the ends, use one of your hands to gather the green onions together in a bunch. Make sure the ends are even on the cutting board, and then use a sharp knife to cut straight through the bottom of the scallions.
This will trim away about half-inch of the white part of the onions together with the roots. Also, on the other end of the onions, also cut away about half-inch of the green stalks. This will ensure only the fresh, crisp white and green parts of the onions are left behind.
#3: Slice in half
Now, you need to separate the whites from the greens for easier use. To do that, you will need to cut the onions in half crosswise before slicing. It is not so difficult to tell the whites from the greens as their colors are solidly distinctive.
#4: Cut the green
Now that you have separated the greens from the whites, you can now go ahead to cut them. Make sure your knife is sharp enough to make cutting easier and much smoother. That will also prevent the onions from bruising under any dull pressure.
So, gather the greens in one hand and place the ends evenly on the board. Now use the other hand to hold the knife and then slice in a smooth, circular chopping motion. You can always decide how thick you want the stems of the scallions to be, depending on what you want to use them for.
However, for garnishing, you may want to make a more fine slicing. But if they will be mixed into dishes like stir fries or for crunch, you may want to make the cuts a bit thicker.
#5: Chop the white
If you are also using the white, then you will also need to gather them together and also slice them as you did for the greens. But the whites may need to be sliced thinly to allow for easier cooking. The whites are also more perfect for cooked dishes rather than eaten raw.
That’s it! That’s just how to cut green onions. There is no special science or skill required to get this done. Now, let’s take a step further and see how you can store your green onions after they are cut or when they are still whole.
How to Store Green Onions after Cutting
Sometimes you are not using your green onions immediately after cutting them. To make sure they stay in good shape for a longer time, it is important that you understand how to store them. To make your cut green onions last longer, put them in a paper towel and run water through them until the water runs clear.
Now drain the excess water off the onions and carefully place them on a dry paper towel. Squeeze them again to remove any moisture that may still be lodging in the veggies. Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes to dry. You can now store them in an airtight container with dry paper placed in the container before putting the green onions.
How to Store Green Onions before Cutting Them
There are basically two storage options available to you when looking for how to store green onions that have not been cut. The first option is to put the green onions in a jar containing water. You can trim the bottom of the sticks before putting them in the jar. Cover the jar with silicon or plastic bag, and remember to change the water in the jar every three to five days.
Another storage option is to put the green onions rolled in a clean, damp paper towel and then roll them all into a silicon or plastic bag. However, note that the paper towel should not be wet. Instead, it should just be damp.
FAQs
What part of the green onions is perfect for salads?
If you are thinking of using the green onions for salad purposes, you can use any part of it. Apart from adding flavor to your salad, they also make a beautiful pop of color that will add extra spice to your dish.
What can I do with the white parts of the green onions?
Just like the green parts of the scallions, the white parts are also useful for different purposes. You can plant them outdoors to produce other fresh green onions, and you can cook them in a dish.
How long do uncut green onions last in the fridge
If you are not ready to use your green onions yet, you can also store them away in the fridge. Just that they cannot remain in good condition for too long in the fridge. They are good for only about 5 days.