Onions, shallots and garlic are incredibly versatile. Because they can be used in so many dishes, it’s a great idea to buy them in bulk. That means fewer trips to the store and potential savings at checkout.

Which brings us to another point: The other thing that makes onions, shallots and garlic a great candidate for buying in bulk is their long shelf life. When stored properly, onions can last weeks, even months.

So make sure you know how to store them properly. If you want to make sure your onions, shallots and garlic will last as long as possible, follow these tips.

1. Store in the refrigerator compartment

Storing garlic and onions in the refrigerator can be done effectively to keep the garlic intact for a long time. However, if you want to save time and effort, you can peel the garlic and onions in advance and put them in a jar or a sealed container to put in the refrigerator compartment. In addition, you can also chop the garlic in advance, then divide it into small portions and put it in the refrigerator compartment. This method not only saves you time but also keeps the flavor of the garlic for a long time.

2. Store onions in mesh bags, paper bags or baskets

Ensure ventilation to keep onions dry. Do not use plastic bags or airtight containers to store onions because they will prevent air circulation, causing onions to rot and mold quickly.

Place the basket or bag containing onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in the kitchen. Please do not store onions in places with very low temperatures (below 10 degrees) or very high temperatures. Note, check the onion bag regularly, remove any onions that show signs of rotting, softening or discoloration to avoid mold spreading to other onions in the bag

For whole onions, you do not need to refrigerate or freeze them, just keep them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in the kitchen.

3. Using tea, salt and baking soda

Another simple and effective way to preserve garlic is to use a mixture of green tea, baking soda and salt. This mixture has the effect of absorbing water ions in the bag, keeping the garlic dry. In addition, tea and salt also have the effect of killing bacteria and preventing odors to prevent garlic from sprouting and rotting.

First, when you buy garlic, dry it in the sun for about 1 hour or leave it in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days to let the garlic lose all moisture and the outer shell dry.

Next, put the garlic in a plastic bag. Then, mix a little salt, baking soda and green tea to create a mixture of about 40 – 50gr, use a paper towel to wrap the mixture and put it in the garlic bag. Use your hands or use a vacuum cleaner to push all the air out of the garlic bag, then tie the bag tightly, leave the garlic bag in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

With this preservation method, you can keep the garlic for a whole year without it spoiling or sprouting.

4. Storing Garlic in the Freezer

After peeling, the garlic needs to be chopped finely and then placed in a sealed bag. Next, spread the garlic into thin slices and place it in the freezer for about 3 hours. Then, take the garlic out and cut it into small squares. We can also put the chopped garlic in an ice tray, wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer.

5. Soak Garlic in Oil

Peel each clove of garlic and place it in a glass jar or food container. Then, add enough oil to cover the garlic, close the lid, and place it in the freezer. When you need to use it, just use a spoon to take the garlic out.

6. Using baking soda and ginger

Prepare 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 piece of ginger. Place them in a ziplock bag and squeeze out all the air before sealing the bag. The baking soda will absorb moisture and the ginger has antibacterial properties, helping the garlic to last longer.

To increase the effectiveness of this method, place the garlic bag in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Thanks to the combination of baking soda and ginger, you can keep the garlic fresh and delicious for a longer time without fear of spoilage.

7. Dry the garlic

Another effective way to preserve garlic is to dry it. When dried, garlic loses water, so it takes up less space, making it easier to store in the kitchen.