Is it okay to store your onions and garlic together in the same basket? Find out how these two staples affect each other's shelf life.
1 Answer
It's generally not recommended to store onions and garlic together in the same pantry bin. Onions emit gases that can cause garlic to sprout and spoil faster.
Detailed Explanation:
While both onions and garlic thrive in cool, dark, and dry environments, storing them together can shorten their shelf life. Onions release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that promotes ripening and sprouting. This gas can accelerate the sprouting and softening of garlic bulbs, leading to quicker spoilage. To maximize the lifespan of both, it's best to store them separately, ideally in well-ventilated containers or mesh bags. This allows for proper air circulation and minimizes the impact of ethylene gas. Consider storing them in different areas of your pantry or even in separate pantries if space allows. Proper storage is key to preventing waste and ensuring you have fresh onions and garlic when you need them.
Pro Tip:
Store onions and garlic away from potatoes. Potatoes also release moisture and gases that can cause onions to sprout and garlic to rot.