How to Store Green Onions

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

Recipes with Green Onions

Try any of these delicious recipes with green onions:

P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

5-Minute Smoked Salmon Dip

Mini Quiche

Loaded Hasselback Potatoes

Maryland Crab Cakes