Bulk Buying & Storage of Sweet Onions & Yams
Tips for Storing Sweet Onions and Yams
Money tip: Buy good quality produce in bulk or grow your own! We purchased 10 pounds of organic sweet onions and 20 pounds of organic yams from Azure Standard. Did you know that you should not keep onions and potatoes in the same area? Since we do not have cool cellars or basements in the South providing the much needed environment for long-term cool storage, here’s another way to store for the long term:
Storing Sweet Onions
Sweet onions have a higher water content than regular onions, which makes them more prone to mold and rot if not stored properly. The key to preserving sweet onions is to keep them dry, cool, and well-ventilated.
What You Need:
- Paper towels
- Refrigerator space
Steps:
1. Dry Them Out: Before storing, make sure your sweet onions are dry. If they have any moisture on their skins, gently pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Wrap Individually: Wrap each onion in a paper towel. This step helps to absorb any excess moisture and prevents the onions from touching each other, which can lead to mold or rot.
3. Place in the Fridge: Store them in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. Avoid airtight containers, as onions need air circulation to stay fresh.
4. Check Regularly: Every couple of weeks, check your onions for any signs of spoilage. If you notice a soft or moldy onion, remove it immediately to prevent it from affecting the others.
Storage Time: Using this method, sweet onions can stay fresh for up to 6-8 weeks in the refrigerator. The paper towels help extend their shelf life by keeping moisture at bay.
Storing Yams
Yams, on the other hand, need a cool, dry, and dark environment to stay fresh for months.
What You Need:
- Newspaper
- A dark closet or pantry
Steps:
1. Prepare the Yams: Ensure the yams are clean and dry. Don’t wash them before storing, as any residual moisture can cause them to rot.
2. Wrap in Newspaper: Wrap each yam individually in a sheet of newspaper. This layer of protection helps to prevent bruising, absorbs any moisture, and reduces the risk of rot.
3. Store in a Dark Closet: Find a dark, cool, and dry closet or pantry space for storing your wrapped yams. Ideally, the temperature should be between 55°F and 60°F, with good air circulation. Avoid areas that are too warm or humid, as they can cause the yams to sprout or decay prematurely.
Storage Time: Using this method, yams can last for up to 3-6 months. Regularly check your yams for any signs of sprouting or soft spots and remove any that show signs of spoilage.
Tips for Long-Term Storage Success
- Temperature Control: Both sweet onions and yams are sensitive to temperature changes, so it’s essential to maintain consistent storage conditions.
- Avoid Moisture: Moisture is the enemy of long-term storage, so always ensure your onions and yams are completely dry before storing.
- Check Often: Make it a habit to inspect your stored produce every few weeks. Early detection of spoilage can save the rest of your harvest.
Why This Storage Method Works
Sweet onions and yams need different storage environments, but the principles remain the same: keep them dry, well-ventilated, and at the right temperature. Wrapping sweet onions in paper towels helps to absorb moisture, while the refrigerator keeps them cool and slows down spoilage. On the other hand, wrapping yams in newspaper keeps them dry and protected while the dark, closet environment mimics the conditions of their natural growing habitat.
By taking the time to wrap, store, and monitor your sweet onions and yams, you can enjoy their fresh flavors for months. Whether you’re sautéing sweet onions for a delicious stir-fry or roasting yams for a hearty side dish, this simple storage technique ensures you always have high-quality produce at your fingertips.
Final Thoughts
Preserving your harvest or bulk purchases is a rewarding way to save money and reduce food waste. By following these tried-and-true methods for storing sweet onions and yams, you’ll always have these versatile ingredients on hand to whip up your favorite recipes.
