How to Tell If an Onion Is Bad (2024)

Updated: Mar. 14, 2024

Do you know how to tell if an onion is bad? Better yet, do you know how to read the signs leading up to a bad onion?

Have you ever reached into the pantry to grab an onion and encountered a texture you weren’t expecting? It happened to me when an onion rolled out of its bag and hid in the far corner of the cabinet. I only have one word to describe the experience: Yuck! The onion had literally melted in its skin and sat there, squishy and unforgivingIy stinky, in a pile of liquid.

We don’t recommend you wait to experience a bad onion. Instead, learn how to tell if an onion is bad by reading the telltale signs leading up to spoilage. This advice applies to most types of onion: sweet onions, shallots, or yellow, white and red onions. Fresh alliums in the onion family (like green onions, spring onions, ramps, leeks or chives) have a different set of rules and a shorter lifespan.

Editor’s Tip: You might be surprised to know that storing these veggies together is bad news. Please find out how to store potatoes and onions correctly so they last longer!

Signs Your Onion Has Spoiled

If your onion has gone bad, it will be pretty obvious. Squishy onions should be tossed into the trash without a second’s thought. The same can be said for stinky onions or onions that have excess moisture.

The less obvious signs are small wet spots, brown spots, or a softened texture. If these spots can be removed from a section of the onion, leaving the rest of the onion looking “normal,” it’s probably safe to cook with it. The same can be said for a sprouted onion that has no other signs of spoilage. It’s okay if you don’t want to eat the sprouted part; you can cut the onion in half to remove the sprout and any remnants of the shoot. But if you observe any signs of mold, or if you have any doubt at all if the onion is still safe to eat, it’s best to toss it.

By the way, sprouted garlic is usually safe to eat, too.

How to Pick Good Onions

We define a “good” onion as one that can be stored for several weeks in the pantry (just keep in mind these foods you shouldn’t store together). Look for onions with a firm texture and dry, papery skins. Avoid onions that are soft or exhibit brown spots. You’ll also want to avoid any onions that are sprouting. Sprouted onions are usually still good to eat, but they won’t last as long.

Tips for Storing Onions

How to store whole onions

Store whole onions in a cool, dry, ventilated spot that’s out of the sun, like a pantry or cabinet. They’ll last anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the temperature inside your storage area. Avoid storing potatoes and onions together, as the pair will speed up each other’s spoilage. The potatoes will sprout faster, and onions will soften and liquify next to potatoes.

You don’t want to keep onions in the refrigerator either, as the cold and humidity can cause onions to develop moisture spots and soften their texture. Fresh onions—such green onions, spring onions, leeks or chives—should be stored in your refrigerator’s crisper bin and usually only last about a week before they start getting slimy. An onion storage container might come in handy.

If you were keeping whole onions in the fridge, read up on other common foods you’ve been storing wrong.

How to store chopped onions

Once an onion has been peeled and cut, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Wrap any unused onion halves in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. We like using glass containers because they don’t absorb odors. Chopped onions are best stored in airtight containers or in a resealable bag. Properly stored, these onions are good for 7 to 10 days.

How to freeze onions

Onions freeze really well, but only if you plan to cook with them. Frozen onions lose their crisp texture, so they’re not ideal for making pickled onions or other raw applications like salads and rice bowls. To freeze onions, chop them into similar-sized pieces and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Pack the onions flat so you can break off a section and use it as needed, rather than thawing the whole thing. Frozen onions will last up to a year, but they start to lose their quality around the eight-month mark.

Recipes to Use Up Your Onions

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Taste of Home

Classic French Onion SoupEnjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, UtahGo to Recipe

Taste of Home

Creamed Pearl OnionsWhen our children were small, we always celebrated Christmas at our house. This was one of many recipes I relied on that could be prepared a day in advance, which gave me more time to spend with guests. Everyone expected to see this vegetable dish on the table every year. —Barbara Caserman, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

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This full-flavored recipe is the result of my mother's love of pasta and our love of cooking together. With a bit of pepper heat and smoky bacon, the entree is excellent alone or paired with grilled chicken. —Lacy Jo Matheson, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

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Fan of an onion pasta combo? Try out this french onion pasta, next!

Baked Vidalia OnionsVidalia onion recipes are some of my favorites to whip up. Served alongside any of a variety of fish and meats, these tender onions are a nice change of pace. Folks find it a fun and flavorful side dish. —Norma Durham, Rogersville, Tennessee

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Crispy Onion Rings Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Crispy Fried Onion RingsI use this onion rings recipe as a burger topper to add an extra element to already-fantastic burgers. These onion rings are also perfect for giving your salads a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Green Onion RollsBetter double the batch! These savory, elegant rolls will disappear fast. —Jane Kroeger, Key Largo, Florida

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My grandparents came from Mexico, and I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. This steak marinated in beer and lime juice honors their passion for cooking. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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This creamy dip reminds me of my dad, who took us crabbing as kids. Our fingers were always tired after those excursions, but eating the fresh crab was worth it. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Swiss-Onion Bread RingMy pull-apart bread recipe is crisp and golden on the outside, rich and buttery on the inside. Thanks to store-bought dough, this cheesy bread is a cinch to make. —Judi Messina, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

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French Onion Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

French Onion CasseroleFans of French onion soup will gobble up this comforting casserole. The 30-minute side dish would be a nice accompaniment to beef entrees.—Margaret McClatchey, Loveland, Colorado

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Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring OnionsI love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as its ease of preparation with my slow cooker. Everyone always enjoys roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese. —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida

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Saute the onions and garlic for this flatbread a day ahead so it's easy to put together on the day of the party. Prepared pizza dough makes this recipe a snap. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Family-Favorite Caramelized Onions Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Family-Favorite Caramelized OnionsThis recipe was passed down to me by my mother-in-law. After a few tweaks these onions are better than ever and, to my husband's chagrin, there are rarely any leftovers. They can easily be made ahead and reheated. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina

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Stuffed Sweet Onions with Bacon Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Stuffed Sweet Onions with BaconThis unexpected side dish is perfect to serve alongside grilled steak or pork chops. Even if you're not an onion fan, the low heat and long cooking time of this dish mellows and sweetens the sometimes sharp raw onion flavors that many dislike.—Erin Chilcoat, Smithtown, New York

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Taste of Home

Onion TartOnion lovers are sure to be asking for second helpings of this appetizing tart—it uses two kinds of onions! Parmesan and feta cheese, nutmeg and hot pepper sauce enhance the flavor nicely. With its quichelike filling, the dish is ideal for a brunch or buffet.-Christine Andreas, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

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While I was growing up, it was our family tradition to make creamed peas with pearl onions for every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. My dad was not a happy camper if he didn't see this dish on the table. It was his favorite! I made it for my own family while our kids were growing up, and now my daughter makes this dish for her family. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Taste of Home

Grilled Green Onion BurgersChange up this super tasty burger with your favorite toppings. Whip some mayo with hoisin sauce to add extra tang! —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas

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Taste of Home

Pearl Onion Broccoli BakeWith its creamy white cheese sauce and buttery crumb topping, this dish is great comfort food. If you’re looking for a mild way to dress up broccoli, this is the recipe. —Charles Keating, Manchester, Maryland

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The sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements the roast pork. With its crisp, golden exterior and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this pork is my family's favorite weekend dinner. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Amish Onion CakeThis rich, moist bread with an onion-poppy seed topping is a wonderful break from your everyday bread routine. You can serve it with any meat, and it's a nice accompaniment to soup or salad. I've made it many times and have often been asked to share the recipe. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

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Onion Beef au Jus Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Onion Beef au JusGarlic, onions, soy sauce and onion soup mix flavor the tender beef in savory hot sandwiches that are served with a tasty rich broth for dipping. The seasoned beef makes delicious cold sandwiches too. —Marilyn Brown, West Union, Iowa

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Taste of Home

Onion Brie AppetizersGuests will think you spent hours preparing these cute appetizers, but they're really easy to assemble, using purchased puff pastry. And the tasty combination of Brie, caramelized onions and caraway is terrific.-Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

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Taste of Home

Cheese-Stuffed Sweet OnionsThese onions are cooked in vegetable broth and stuffed with a delicious blend of cheeses. Experiment to find the blend you like. Instead of goat cheese, try cream cheese or mascarpone. You could substitute Gorgonzola cheese for the blue cheese, and in place of Romano, you could use Parmesan. Any blend is delicious! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

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Brisket Sliders with Caramelized Onions Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Brisket Sliders with Caramelized OnionsFor a dear friend’s going-away party, I made a juicy brisket and turned it into sliders. If you cook the brisket ahead, slider assembly is a breeze. —Marlies Coventry, North Vancouver, British Columbia

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I roast veggies to bring out their sweetness, and it works wonders with onions and cabbage. The piquant vinegar-mustard sauce makes this dish similar to a slaw. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

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Wine-Braised Chicken with Pearl OnionsThis is a family favorite handed down from my grandmother in London. She made it for every family gathering. It was always the first food to go on the table and the first one to disappear. —Wayne Barnes, Montgomery, Alabama

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French Onion Soup with Provolone Recipe photo by Taste of Home

French Onion Soup with ProvoloneI adapted a basic recipe to copy the onion soup served at my favorite restaurant. No matter what entree I chose, I always ordered the soup. Now I can make it at home. It's a meal in itself or an impressive beginning to a multicourse meal. —Barbara Brunner, Steelton, Pennsylvania

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Minty Peas and Onions Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Minty Peas and OnionsMother always relied on peas and onions when she was in a hurry and needed a quick side dish. Besides being easy to prepare, this recipe was loved by everyone in our family. It was handed down to my mother by my grandmother. —Santa D'Addario, Jacksonville, Florida

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After trying out any of these onion recipes, pick up a pint of onion ice cream for even more onion deliciousness.

FAQs

How to Tell If an Onion Is Bad? ›

Spoiled onions may develop dark spots, which will eventually begin to grow mold. You'll also want to avoid onions that have started sprouting, as this indicates they're beginning to go bad. You can also feel your onions to check how fresh they are. Onions with soft or mushy spots are starting to go bad.

Get More Info Here ›

How do you know if an onion has gone bad? ›

Physical Signs

Spots. Dark spots will appear on an onion's surface when it begins to spoil. ...
Sprouts. If you notice a growth or a small sprout in your onion, it means the onion has too much moisture surrounding it. ...
Soft Texture. Since onions typically have a harder texture, a soft onion is a physical sign of spoilage.

Jun 23, 2023

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How long does it take for an onion to go bad? ›

How Long Do Onions Last? According to the National Onion Association, whole onions will last an average of one to three months if you store them properly. 1 Cut onions on the other hand, only last one to two weeks. In the freezer, chopped onions can last about eight months.

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Is it bad to eat an onion that has sprouted? ›

Can You Still Eat an Onion That Is Sprouted? Yes, you can; there's nothing toxic or dangerous about using a sprouted onion. However, sprouting may result in a softer onion with a more bitter taste, which some people find less desirable (especially when eaten raw).

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Is it normal for an onion to be milky? ›

Given enough time after harvesting, this liquid can come from the exposed vegetable cells when this family of vegetables is cut. The white liquid is not, on its own, a sign that an onion has gone bad.

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What does onion poisoning look like? ›

Gastrointestinal upset commonly occurs, including signs of decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, abdominal pain, and drooling. Eating larger amounts may cause red blood cell damage resulting in weakness, elevated heart rate, increased respiratory rate and effort, panting, pale gums, or red-colored urine.

What is growing out of my onion? ›

So you don't need to worry when you see green sprouts poking out of your produce. In fact, you don't even need to remove them. Onion sprouts not the same as scallions or green onions, but they taste pretty darn similar. So feel free to chop them up and use them in your recipes.

Read On ›

Can you eat onions that have mold on them? ›

How do I know if an onion is moldy? On the outside of an onion, mold is usually green or black and can be either powdery or sticky. On cut onions, mold will more likely appear as thin, white, threadlike spores. In either case, moldy onions should be discarded, as they are not safe to eat even after cooking.

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What is sprouting in onion? ›

Onion sprouts, botanically classified as Allium cepa, are the young shoots of germinated onion seeds belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. The seeds are collected from bulb onion plants and are allowed to germinate and grow for approximately 10 to 15 days before they are harvested.

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How do you know if an onion is OK to eat? ›

Look for onions with a firm texture and dry, papery skins. Avoid onions that are soft or exhibit brown spots. You'll also want to avoid any onions that are sprouting. Sprouted onions are usually still good to eat, but they won't last as long.

Find Out More ›

Why is there white stuff on my onion? ›

Onion powdery mildew (OPM) is caused by Leveillula taurica (Lév.) G. Arnaud, a fungal pathogen that has the ability to parasitize a very broad range of plant species.

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Is slimy onion safe? ›

If they emit an unpleasant or off odor, it's a sign they may be spoiled. Texture : Onions should be firm. If they feel soft, mushy, or slimy, they have likely gone bad.

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Will onions rot in the fridge? ›

—most onions should last at least a month. For more perishable onions, like spring or sweet onions, to prolong their shelf-life in the refrigerator, consider wrapping each bulb individually in paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, which can affect flavor and texture and also expedite spoilage.

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Can you eat what grows out of an onion? ›

Unlike potatoes, where the mature plant is toxic to humans, all parts of an onion are safe to eat. So you don't need to worry when you see green sprouts poking out of your produce. In fact, you don't even need to remove them. Onion sprouts not the same as scallions or green onions, but they taste pretty darn similar.

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Do dry onions go bad? ›

It's important to note that while the shelf life of dehydrated onions can span to two years, their peak quality is typically maintained for 6-12 months.

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Is it OK to eat green onions? ›

Green onions are typically eaten raw, although are rarely eaten on their own. Therefore, while they need minimal preparation, they are usually added to a recipe.

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