Onions and potatoes: why they shouldn't be stored together and how to do it correctly
Onions and potatoes are two of the most common and healthy vegetables in our diet. They are often used in various dishes and salads, and are also stored for a long time without losing their properties.
However, many owners do not know that these products cannot be stored together, as this can lead to their spoilage and deterioration in quality.
Why does this happen?
The fact is that onions emit ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening and germination of vegetables and fruits. If you store onions next to potatoes, they will stimulate their growth and the appearance of green shoots.
This not only reduces the nutritional value of the potato, but also makes it bitter and toxic. In addition, ethylene can cause the formation of solanine, a toxic substance found in the green parts of the potato.
On the other hand, potatoes contain a lot of moisture, which can get onto the bulbs and cause them to soften and rot.
Thus, if you store these products together, you get a kind of vicious circle: the onions take moisture from the potatoes, which causes them to spoil, and at the same time the quality of the onions decreases.
How to properly store onions and potatoes?
Experts advise separating these foods and storing them in a cool, dark and dry place.
It is best to use breathable containers or bags made of natural materials for this purpose.
You should also avoid storing potatoes near other foods that produce ethylene, such as apples, bananas, or tomatoes.
By following these simple rules, you can keep onions and potatoes fresh and healthy for a long time.
