Storing potatoes and onions together raises questions for many housewives.
Combining these two vegetables often leads to food spoilage, but there are ways to minimize the risks.
It is important to know how to organize proper storage to avoid losses.
Storing vegetables requires careful attention, especially when it comes to potatoes and onions.
These foods are often purchased in large quantities to serve as a winter staple, but storing them together can cause spoilage due to different storage requirements.
Why it is not recommended to store onions and potatoes together
Potatoes release moisture during storage. This property increases the humidity level in the room or container where they are stored.
Onions, in turn, are sensitive to excess moisture. When the humidity level increases, the bulbs begin to rot and mold.
In addition, potatoes release ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening and aging of surrounding foods.
Under such conditions, onions lose their density and become soft, which also leads to their rapid spoilage.
Ideal conditions for storing potatoes
To preserve potatoes, it is necessary to maintain the temperature within 4–7 degrees.
High humidity, about 85–90%, helps prevent the tubers from drying out. The room should be dark, as light causes the formation of solanine, a toxic substance that makes the potatoes green and unfit for consumption.
Optimal conditions for storing onions
Onions prefer dry conditions. Air humidity should not exceed 65-70%, as excess moisture causes rotting. Storage temperatures range from 0 to 5 degrees. Onions also like good ventilation, which prevents moisture from accumulating inside the container or net.
How to Properly Store Potatoes and Onions Separately
To keep potatoes and onions longer, it is better to place them in different places. For potatoes, a cellar or basement with controlled humidity is ideal. Onions can be stored in nets or wooden boxes, providing good air circulation.
You should not store vegetables in plastic bags, as the lack of ventilation creates a favorable environment for the development of mold and rot. Fabric bags or containers with ventilation holes are suitable for potatoes.
Tips for Co-Storage
If you still need to store onions and potatoes next to each other, you should take steps to reduce their mutual influence. You can place partitions made of thick cardboard or plywood between the products to reduce contact.
Regularly checking the condition of vegetables helps to remove damaged specimens in time, which can become a source of rot. It is important to monitor the humidity in the room, using dehumidifiers or ventilation.
