Why should chopped onions not be kept open in the fridge?

Question

Learn why you should never keep an open, chopped onion in the fridge. Find out how it can absorb bacteria and spread its strong odor to other foods.

Answer 1

Chopped onions should not be kept open in the fridge because they can absorb bacteria and odors, posing a food safety risk and affecting the taste of other foods. Always store them in an airtight container.

Detailed Explanation:

Onions, once cut, release enzymes that make them highly susceptible to bacterial contamination. They act like a sponge, readily absorbing bacteria, including harmful pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria, from the refrigerator environment. This increases the risk of foodborne illness if consumed later. Furthermore, cut onions release volatile sulfur compounds that contribute to their pungent odor. These compounds can easily permeate other foods in the refrigerator, altering their taste and smell. Storing chopped onions in an airtight container minimizes both bacterial contamination and odor transfer, preserving food safety and quality. The container acts as a barrier, preventing the onions from absorbing unwanted substances and from affecting other items in your fridge.

Pro Tip:

If you only need to use a portion of an onion, consider leaving the root end intact. This helps to slow down the enzymatic processes that lead to spoilage and odor release, even when stored properly in an airtight container.