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how long do onions last

Whole unpeeled onions usually last 2–3 months in a cool, dark, well‑ventilated place, while cut or peeled onions keep about 7–10 days in the fridge and frozen onions about 6–8 months for best quality.

Quick Scoop

  • Whole dry onions (yellow, white, red) in a cool, dark pantry: about 2–3 months, sometimes up to 6–8 weeks at best quality before flavor and texture start to decline.
  • Whole onions in the fridge: roughly 1–2 months, but moisture can make them soft or moldy faster, so pantry storage is usually better for unpeeled bulbs.
  • Peeled onions in the fridge: about 10–14 days in a sealed container at or below 40°F (4°C).
  • Cut/sliced/chopped onions in the fridge: around 7–10 days in an airtight container.
  • Cooked onions in the fridge: about 3–5 days in a covered container.
  • Frozen onions (raw or cooked): generally keep good quality for about 3–8 months, depending on cut and packaging.

Mini guide: when to toss

  • Strong off smell, slimy texture, or visible mold means the onion should be discarded.
  • For whole onions, soft wet spots, extensive sprouting, or large areas of rot are signs it has passed its useful life.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.