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How to Store Scallions

Created January 24, 2025
Green onions and a bowl with butter cubes on a wooden cutting board.
Struggling with how to store green onions to maintain their crispness and flavor? Whether you're preparing a meal today or planning for the week, this guide offers practical tips on the best way to store green onions and keep them fresh. From simple fridge storage methods to innovative ways like freezing or using water, find out how to keep green onions fresh and vibrant for every dish.

Green onions (also known as scallions) are a fantastic way to add freshness, crunch, and a subtle hint of sharpness to your favorite dishes. Whether you're adding them to soups, salads, stir-fries, or garnishing a savory roast, these delicate stalks often play a starring role.

However, if you’ve ever tried to store green onions, you know they can quickly wilt or go bad. But don’t worry! With a few simple tricks, you can extend the life of your green onions, reduce waste, and keep them fresh for much longer. In this guide, we'll cover the best methods for keeping green onions fresh and ensuring they’re always ready to elevate your homemade meals.

What Are Green Onions?

Physical Characteristics

  • Leaves: The most prominent feature is their long, slender, hollow, and tube-like leaves. These leaves are typically dark green, though the color can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions. They are the part primarily used in cooking.
  • Bulb: Unlike mature onions, green onions have a small, underdeveloped bulb at the base. This bulb is usually white or pale green and is often milder in flavor than the leaves.
  • Roots: They are often sold with an intact but small root system at the base.

Flavor and Aroma

  • Mild but Pungent Flavor: Green onions possess a mild delicate flavor compared to mature onions. The white bulb portion tends to be even milder than the green leaves.

Nutritional Aspects

  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Green onions are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and various minerals like potassium.
  • Low in Calories: They are relatively low in calories, making them an easy addition to many dishes.

The joy and challenge of scallions is in their unique shape and texture, and keeping them fresh will help preserve their taste and nutritional value. If you don't store them right, they can get limp and lose their flavor fast. So, let's dive in deeper to show you how to take care of your fresh green spring onions.

Storage Methods

Fridge Storage

Storing green onions in the fridge is the most straightforward method and ideal for regular use. Using this method, your green onions should stay fresh for about a week. Remember to check them before using them and if they do go bad, discard the affected onions to prevent cross-contamination in the fridge.

Step 1: Wash and Dry

Start by giving your green onions a good rinse under cold water. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2: Wrap in Paper Towels

Lay the green onions flat on a dry paper towel and gently roll them up. This helps absorb any excess moisture, which can otherwise promote mold growth. For an eco-friendly alternative, reusable cloths work well too!

Step 3: Store in an Airtight Bag

After wrapping, place the onions in a resealable plastic or reusable silicone bag. Keeping them in an airtight environment helps maintain their crispness. Place the bag into your refrigerator’s crisper drawer, which regulates humidity levels to keep produce fresh.

Water Method

If you want to keep your green onions fresh for an extended period (up to two weeks), the water method is your best bet. Alternatively, you can keep the jar of green onions on your kitchen counter, but they will only last about 5-7 days at room temperature. As always, monitor for any signs of decay and refresh the water frequently.

Step 1: Trim the Roots

Before placing the onions in water, trim any dried or damaged sections from the root ends to promote better water absorption.

Step 2: Place in a Clean Jar with Water

Fill a clean glass or jar with about an inch of cold water and place the trimmed onions root-side down. Only the roots and a small portion of the white stalk should be submerged to avoid sogginess.

Step 3: Cover and Store in the Fridge

Loosely cover the green tops with plastic wrap or a bag to retain moisture and store the jar in the fridge. Ensure there's air circulation to prevent mold growth. Be sure to change the water every 2-3 days for optimal freshness and food safety.

Freezing: The Long-Term Storage Solution

Sliced green onions placed in a white bowl.

Freezing is a fantastic way to store green onions if you don’t plan to use them right away.

Step 1: Wash and Slice

Just as with other produce, begin by washing your green onions thoroughly. Pat them dry and slice them to your preferred size—either small pieces for garnishes or larger sections for cooking.

Step 2: Flash Freeze

Lay your sliced green onions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours to flash-freeze them. This prevents them from sticking together during long-term storage.

Step 3: Transfer to Freezer Bags

Once frozen, transfer your onions into labeled, airtight freezer bags. Mark the date and try to use them within three months for the best taste and quality.

Pro Tip: Frozen green onions won’t have the same crisp texture, but they are perfect for soups and other blended dishes!

Regrow Your Green Onions

Don't toss your green onion roots, did you know you can regrow them? Re-growing green onions is a sustainable way to always have fresh scallions on hand and reduce waste.

Step 1: Submerge the Roots

After using the green tops, place the white root ends in a shallow dish of water. Position the dish in a sunny windowsill.

Step 2: Change the Water Daily

Make sure to change the water daily to prevent bacterial growth. In no time, the green tops will regrow, and you'll have fresh onions to snip and use as needed. You can repeat this process multiple times! We don't recommend using the white bottoms of the scallions after they've been in water for several days, but you'll find their fresh new green sprigs are crisp and flavorful.

Culinary Uses

  • Garnish: Frequently used as a fresh garnish for soups, salads, and various dishes.
  • Flavoring Agent: Adds a subtle onion flavor to stir-fries, sauces, and other cooked dishes.
  • Versatile: Can be chopped, sliced, or used whole depending on the recipe.

Green Onion Recipes

Once you've mastered storing green onions, you’ll always have them ready to add a fresh burst of flavor to your homemade meals. Here are a few delightful Betty Crocker recipes you can try:

With these easy storage methods, you can always have fresh green onions handy for cooking or garnishing. Whether you freeze them for long-term use, regrow them on your windowsill, or simply keep them fresh in the fridge, you’re prepared to enjoy this vibrant ingredient in all your favorite dishes.