At what temperature should onions be stored?
The harvested onion crop will be perfectly preserved until spring only if certain conditions are met: the correct temperature and acceptable humidity level.
At what temperature is it better to store onions (onions, leeks, greens) at home in winter in order to use this product in cooking for the longest possible time?
Content
Temperature regime for onions
Conventionally, the storage process can be divided into three stages:
- drying,
- acclimatization,
- direct storage.
Minimizing crop losses during storage, as well as prolonging this process as much as possible, is possible only if the correct temperature conditions are observed at each stage.
Thus, the drying stage takes place at +18-22°C. Drying helps tighten the neck of the bulb, thereby preventing harmful bacteria from penetrating inside the root crop. Drying lasts three to four days, until the husk covering the onion is completely dry.
The acclimatization process is aimed at ensuring that the bulbs gradually acquire the required storage temperature after hot drying. Acclimatization takes from two to five days. Every day there is a decrease of 5°C.
It is very important to ensure that condensation does not form on root vegetables.. Moisture can cause rot and mold.
- What happens if the temperature is higher than normal? Storage temperatures above normal lead to significant losses of the harvested crop. Very small bulbs lose moisture and dry out quickly. Larger onions begin to sprout, which also leads to a loss of its taste and nutritional properties.
- What happens if the temperature is below normal? Storage at temperatures below normal significantly increases the percentage of crop spoilage and reduces the amount of preserved onions.
If minus
Long-term storage at sub-zero temperatures may cause the product to freeze. As a result, the pulp becomes:
- loose,
- watery,
- tasteless.
As soon as the frozen onion gets into a warm place, the scales become wet and rot and mold begin to develop on them.
If constant changes
Sudden changes in temperature and humidity can cause the following problems:
- awakening the growth point of the bulb;
- development of fungal diseases;
- the appearance of areas of rot and mold.
He will tell you why onions rot during storage and how to avoid it. this article.
The most unpretentious varieties for winter storage
The duration of storage directly depends on the type of product. Spicy varieties (for example Aleko or Chalcedony) are less demanding of temperature conditions. For storage, it is better to put semi-sharp varieties (Golden ar, Danilovsky) in the first rows and eat them first.
When choosing varieties for long-term storage, you should pay attention to the following:
Farmer late - resistant to diseases, after five to six months of storage the density and juiciness of the onion head, the light yellow tint of the husk remains unchanged.- Strigunovsky local — round onions with a very pungent taste retain their color and taste perfectly for up to six months.
- Sturon — if the temperature is maintained, it can be stored for up to nine months. Ideal for growing in temperate regions.
- Chalcedony - Suitable for growing in warm climates.
- Aleko — when chopped, onions do not cause tearing. The shape of the bulb is oblong. Subject to temperature conditions, it retains its nutritional properties for up to seven months.
General information about storing onions can be found in this section.
How many degrees can leeks withstand at home?
It is possible to preserve the beneficial properties and taste of leeks for as long as possible, provided that the correct temperature conditions are observed.
So in the refrigerator (at + 2-4 ° C), in the vegetable drawer, leeks can be stored for up to five months. To keep the stems fresh, they are placed in a polyethylene bag with holes made in advance for ventilation.
On a closed balcony, garage or basement, leeks are stored at +1°C to +5°C for a maximum of six months. It is very important to periodically check the product for spoilage (rotten stems are removed immediately), and also monitor the air humidity in the room.
At -3°C, leeks begin to lose their nutritional and taste value.At -7°C the stems freeze and become unfit for consumption.
You can find out how to store leeks in a cellar or basement Here. How to store leeks at home, read here.
Green onion feathers
The main condition for long-term storage of juicy and healthy green onions is the correct temperature.
Thus, at a temperature of 0°C, green onion feathers retain their juiciness for two months. At +3-4°C, greens can be stored for no more than twenty days.
At room temperature (+18-20°C), green onion feathers will wither within three days. You can store finely chopped green onions in the freezer (-18°C) for twelve months.
Drying finely chopped green onions in the oven (+50-60°C) will help preserve the healthy product for at least two years.
Only whole, juicy, bright green feathers are left for storage. Luke. Dry, wilted stems are immediately thrown away. Feathers with damage or signs of deterioration should be separated and used as soon as possible.
Read about how to store green onions in the refrigerator. Here, for the winter - here.
Conclusion
Maintaining the correct temperature conditions throughout the entire storage period will help preserve the onions until the next harvest.
