This Is How Long Cut Onions Last In The Fridge, According To An Expert

We have all been in a situation where a recipe calls for just a tiny bit of minced onion and you’re left with three-quarters of a peeled vegetable or a backyard cookout yields a pile of leftover chopped onions. When there are too many leftovers to simply toss in your compost, it’s important to know what to do with your cut onions.

How Long Do Cut Onions Last In The Fridge?

Up to 14 days, depending on how your onion has been cut, according to Alabama-based registered dietitian Chelsea Edwards.

“Cut onions will last seven to ten days in the refrigerator,” Edwards says. “While peeled onions can be stored in your fridge for a couple weeks.”

Edwards says the caveat of maximizing the shelf life of cut onions – just like most vegetables –  is to make sure they are stored properly.

The Best Way To Store Cut Onions

Cut onion should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, such as a resealable plastic bag.

Edwards adds that the timing of putting cut onions away is also crucial.

“Cut onions should be put into the refrigerator within two hours of cutting,” she says. “After the two hour mark, they will begin to grow bacteria that can be harmful (and) bacteria grow rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.”

How Do You Know If Cut Onions Have Gone Bad?

Typically cut onions that have gone bad will get very dry or start to get slimy. 

“Either of those is a good indicator your cut onions need to be tossed,” Edwards says.

Can You Freeze Cut Onions?

Yes, you can freeze cut onions. If you have cut onions that just won’t be used before they go bad, consider freezing them for later use.

1. Put your chopped or sliced onions in a freezer bag, and remove as much air from the bag as possible before freezing.
2. Be sure to label and date the bag before putting it in the freezer.

While cut onions are definitely freezer-friendly, know that freezing onions slightly alters the texture, so once thawed, they are not recommended for use in raw applications, such as salads or toppings.