Simple and Effective Ways to Store Green Onions and Keep Them Fresh Longer

Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are a common kitchen staple that add vibrant color, aroma, and flavor to countless dishes. Besides being a versatile garnish, they are also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and contain beneficial antioxidants that support overall health.
However, green onions tend to spoil quickly if not stored properly — they wilt, lose flavor, and can even rot within just a few days. To help you keep them fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, here are several simple yet effective methods for storing green onions at home.

1. Store Green Onions in the Refrigerator (Chill Compartment)

Refrigeration is one of the most convenient and effective ways to extend the freshness of green onions. The cool environment slows down spoilage, keeping them crisp and green for up to a week or more.

To do this, wash the green onions thoroughly and let them dry completely. Any excess moisture can cause them to become slimy or moldy. Once dry, wrap them loosely in a clean plastic bag or zip-lock bag, then place them in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer.
This method helps maintain their natural color, crisp texture, and aroma while preventing moisture loss.

💡 Tip: You can also wrap the roots with a slightly damp paper towel before sealing the bag to keep the onions hydrated without making them soggy.

2. Freeze Green Onions for Long-Term Storage

If you don’t plan to use green onions within a few days, freezing them is the best option. When frozen properly, they can last for several weeks without losing much flavor.

Start by trimming and washing the onions, then pat them completely dry. Chop them into small pieces — freezing whole green onions can make them difficult to separate later.
Divide the chopped onions into small portions and place each portion into individual zip-lock bags or airtight containers before putting them in the freezer. This way, you can take out just the right amount whenever needed without defrosting the entire batch.

💡 Tip: Spread the chopped onions on a baking tray and freeze for an hour before transferring them to a bag. This prevents the pieces from clumping together.

3. Store Green Onions with Paper Towels

Paper towels are great for absorbing excess moisture — one of the main causes of spoilage. This method keeps green onions fresh and firm for several days while maintaining their vibrant green color.

Simply clean the onions, cut off the roots, and wash them thoroughly. Shake off as much water as possible, then cut them into 3–4 cm (about 1–1.5 inch) segments.
Lay a sheet of paper towel flat, arrange the chopped onions in the center, and roll it up gently. Continue until all the onions are wrapped. Finally, place the wrapped bundles into a zip-lock bag and store them in the refrigerator.

💡 Extra tip: Replace the paper towels every few days if they become too damp. This small step helps prevent mold and prolongs freshness.

4. Dry or Dehydrate the Green Onions

For the longest shelf life, drying green onions is a fantastic solution. Dried green onions retain their flavor and aroma and can be rehydrated later when cooking soups, stews, or stir-fries.

To dry them naturally, wash and slice the onions thinly, then spread them evenly on a clean tray. Place the tray under direct sunlight and let them dry completely until crisp.
Alternatively, you can use an oven or food dehydrator at low temperature (around 60°C or 140°F) for faster results. Once dried, transfer them to a clean, airtight glass jar or container and store in a cool, dry place — preferably inside the fridge.

Properly dried green onions can last for months, making them a convenient option for those who want to reduce food waste and always have seasoning ready on hand.

Additional Tips

• Always store fresh, undamaged green onions. Avoid using ones that are already wilted or slimy.

• Try to use refrigerated green onions within 2–4 weeks for the best flavor.

• Once removed from the fridge or freezer, use them immediately for cooking — refreezing or repeated temperature changes can make them lose texture and taste.

• To revive slightly wilted onions, soak them in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes; they’ll regain their crispness.