Learn the best way to store onions long-term using pantyhose! This easy, old-fashioned method keeps your onions fresh for months without rotting or sprouting. Perfect for home gardeners and bulk shoppers—no fancy equipment needed.
How to Store Onions With Pantyhose
If you’ve ever had onions sprouting on your counter or turning soft in the pantry, you’re not alone. Whether you grow your own onions or buy in bulk, knowing how to store them properly can save money and reduce waste. One of the most effective (and oddly fun!) ways to store onions long-term is by using pantyhose. Yes, really—this simple trick can keep your onions fresh for months without fancy storage bins or equipment.
Before you start stocking up, don’t forget to make the most of your onion stash with a few of my favorite recipes: try these crispy Baked Onion Rings, add flavor to any dish with Quick Pickled Red Onion Slices, or preserve extra onions by learning How to Make Onion Powder in the Oven.
Storing Onions in Pantyhose: Step-by-Step Guide
Choose the right onions. Only store fully cured, dry onions. Skip any with soft spots, green tops, or signs of mold.
Prepare the pantyhose. Take a clean pair of pantyhose and lay them flat. Use scissors to cut off each leg right at the top of the thigh—this gives you two long tubes to work with. You can use the waistband part too if you want, but the legs are perfect for holding a bunch of onions. Don’t worry if the hose has a few runs—they’ll still work just fine!
Drop in an onion. Start by placing one onion into the foot of the pantyhose.
Tie a knot. Make a knot above the onion to keep it separated.
Repeat. Add another onion, tie another knot, and keep going until the pantyhose is full.
Hang it up. Store your onion “snake” in a cool, dark, and dry place—like a pantry, basement, or garage.
Snip when needed. When you need an onion, just snip one off from the bottom!
How long do onions last in pantyhose?
Stored in a cool, dark, and dry spot, onions can last up to 6 months in pantyhose.
What kind of onions store the longest?
Yellow and white onions store better than sweet or red varieties. Make sure they’re fully cured before storing.
Pin for later:
How to Store Onions Using Pantyhose
PrintIngredients
- onions
- pantyhose
Instructions
- If you're storing onions from your garden, make sure to dry them first. Lay them out in a single layer so they’re not touching—somewhere dry and sunny, like a porch, patio, or rooftop. Let them cure for a few days, checking the weather to avoid rain. Once the skins are dry and papery, gently brush off any dirt and bring them indoors for storage.
- Trim the stem of each onion down to about 1 inch.
- Cut the pantyhose so you have two separate legs. Drop an onion into one leg, then tie a knot above it. Repeat—add another onion, tie another knot, and continue until the leg is full. This keeps the onions from touching, which helps prevent rot and makes it easy to snip one off when you need it.
- Stored this way in a cool, dark, and dry place, your onions can last for up to 6 months. And there you have it—a simple, effective method to keep your onions fresh and ready whenever you need them!
Leave a Comment