Onions will keep fresh for months if you store them in item from your underwear drawer
ONIONS don’t have to be included on the weekly shopping list as they have a long shelf life.
Many people find themselves topping up the cupboard with the food staple every couple of weeks.
But a sustainability expert has revealed that you can keep them fresh for months if you follow his unusual tip.
Scott Evans, from the self-storage company Pink Storage, is a food waste pro who likes to help people get the most out of their produce.
Food waste is a growing problem in many households, and with the cost of living continuing to rise, finding ways to make your food last longer is more important than ever.
With Christmas out of the way, many of us will have to make our money stretch further this January and one way is to make our food last longer.
From fresh fruit to leftovers, storing food correctly can save you money, reduce waste, and keep your meals tasting fresh.
And storage expert Scott says a clever hack can make all the difference when it comes to onions.
He said: “It might sound strange, but old-school tricks are often the most effective.”
For this one, in particular, it’s an item in your underwear drawer that you may want to grab.
Scott adds: “Storing onions in clean sheer tights is a brilliant way to keep them fresh for months.
“Place an onion in the leg of the tights, tie a knot, add another onion, and repeat. Hang them in a cool, dry place.
“The knots create separation, preventing moisture and rot from spreading.”
You can also pick up a five-pack of sheer tights from supermarkets including Sainsbury’s for just a fiver, working out at £1 a go.
In general, Scott also suggests rotating food in your fridge.
Sometimes, food gets pushed to the back and can be forgotten about, only to be discovered weeks later when it is out of date.
Scott advises: “While you can manually rotate items in your fridge, it’s easy to forget.
“Instead, try using a spinning kitchen gadget, like a rotating fridge organiser, to keep everything visible and within reach.
“If you can see it, you’re far more likely to use it before it spoils.”
Fridge or cupboard? The essential food storage guide
Foods must be stored correctly to keep them fresh and prevent the spread of bacteria.
Nutrition expert Birgit Brendel said bread will last longer when stored in the fridge or freezer.
However, this can compromise the flavour.
Storing in ceramic or pottery containers is an alternative that allows for air to flow easily and slow the growth of mould.
Robert Morris, managing director of food safety consultants, Complete Food Safety, revealed the best place to store fresh fruit and vegetables.
He said salad foods should be stored in the fridge drawer, but away from anything grown in the soil such as carrots, parsnips and beetroot.
Tomatoes are an exception to the rule as fridges can alter the natural ripening process and diminish their taste.
He also advised against putting avocados and bananas in the fridge as this will cause them to blacken quicker.