Let’s talk about how to tell if an onion is bad because it is undoubtedly the greatest fear of any onion lover.
You get home from the store with a big bag of fresh onions, and they all turn out to be too old or bruised. What do you do? Do you try to salvage them and cook with them anyway? If not, how do you know which ones are good and which ones aren’t?
This post will teach you everything you need to know about telling if an onion is bad so that your next batch doesn’t end up in the trashcan.
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Onions and Their Different Types
Onions are an extremely versatile vegetable with many health benefits. And one of their biggest features is that they can be used in any number of dishes without tasting bland or watered down. In fact, onions make up over half of all recipes found on recipe-taking websites like Allrecipes!
They’re also full of vitamin C (a vitamin that helps keep our immune system healthy), B6 (an important nutrient needed for cell growth), manganese (important for bone development), potassium (which helps regulate blood pressure), copper, selenium, and multiple antioxidant properties combined together into one tasty treat!
However, all onions are not created the same. There are various types of onions, and we think you should know that before showing you how to tell if an onion is bad.
#1: White Onions
They are white, soft onions that are also exquisite in flavor. They can be used in salads because of how great they taste in such blends. White onions can also be eaten separately or alone from other types of onions. These onions are also good for preparing vegetables and other recipes.
#2: Brown Onions
They are the most common type of onions as they are included in everything. The flesh of the onion is not brown but a creamy whitish color with a papery brown outer skin. Brown onions are suitable for cooking. They are the types of onions with the strongest flavor, and they are really great when eaten raw. Brown onions are to be cooked well before consuming for their sweetness to come out.
#3: Green Onions
They are not that common and obvious. They are commonly used for garnish and also for salad. Green onions are not so great for cooking. They are edible and have white roots and green stalks.
#4: Red Onions
They are among the sweetest types of onions. They are sweeter than brown onions, and they are more expensive than other types of onions. They are also used raw in a salad as fine slivers and a lot more.
How to Tell If an Onion Is Bad
You can tell if an onion is bad by looking for signs of mold, soft spots, or discoloration. If you notice these things on a freshly cut or peeled onion, you should probably avoid eating it.
If the skin has opened up and there are holes in it (which often happens when onions are stored too long), this means that something is wrong with your vegetable. The best thing to do is throw them out!
Let’s Talk About That Bad Onion Smell
The first thing you should do when you notice that your onion is bad is to look at how it smells. If it has a strong smell, then there’s a good chance that this onion is going to taste bad as well. The stronger the smell and the more pungent it is, the worse your meal will probably be.
How to Store Onions to Prevent Them from Going Bad
When stored in a cool, dry place, raw, whole onions can last up to about two to three months. Such places include a pantry, unheated basement, cellar, etc.
Refrigerators are not always the best place to store onions. Onions absorb moisture easily, so their texture may change – causing them to go soft when stored in refrigerators.
Therefore, storing your onions in the fridge can shorten their lifespan to about two weeks. Also, make sure you keep the onions far away from other foods.
What to Do When You Have a Batch of Bad Onions
- Throw out the bad onions
- Don’t use them in a recipe
- Don’t store the onions in the refrigerator or any type of plastic bag, even if they’re wrapped in paper or brown paper bags.
What to Consider Before Buying an Onion
When buying onions individually or in bulk, make sure you look at the onion thoroughly at the store and pick the good ones. You can also sniff it before purchasing it (if permitted) and squeeze the onion to know if it is good. Additionally, pick the ones that still have their paper on them and have a dry neck
If you notice any of the signs of a bad onion, such as mold, dark spots, bad odor, and more. Then you can put them back and pick a different one.
FAQs
How Long Do Cut Onions Last?
Cut onions tend to get spoil easily. So, once you cut an onion, you need to refrigerate it in other to make it last for a while for future use. While trying to preserve the half-cut onion, make sure you place the cut side down in the refrigerator. Cut onions could last for as long as 6 to 10 days before getting spoiled if well preserved.
Can I Fall Sick If I Consume A Bad Onion?
The answer is yes. If you consume a bad onion, you can fall sick. Bad or spoilt onions can easily store bacteria and when consumed, can cause stomach troubles or some other health problems. So, you should check your onions well before using them for cooking or consuming them raw in other to prevent you from consuming the bad ones.
Can Onions Go Bad?
Yes, onions can go bad as they can grow sprouts and dark spots. They can also attract harmful bacteria that are dangerous to your health. If you think or observe anything strange in your onions that shows it is going bad, it is advisable not to consume such an onion. Instead, trash it and reach out for a good one. Do not consume a bad onion!
Final Note
Now that the article has talked about how to tell when an onion is bad, you should be able to identify the bad onions and the healthy ones. There are different ways to tell if an onion is bad, including smelling it in other to know if there is any nasty odor, squeezing it to know if it has rotten or gotten soft, checking for molds, etc.
And if you are still in doubt, leave the ones and choose another one, or trash it and pick another one for use. Consuming a bad onion will not only disrupt the taste and flavor of your food but can also cause various health problems. So, it is not recommended that you consume bad onions!
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