Smart Trick to Store Chopped Red Onion Fresh for a Month Easily

Kapanlagi.com - Red onions, the king of kitchen spices, are indeed inseparable from various delicious dishes. With their distinct savory and sweet flavor, red onions are a must-have ingredient in fried rice, omelets, and various stir-fries. In addition to enhancing taste, red onions are also rich in health benefits, such as helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and supporting heart health.

However, a major challenge arises when we try to store red onions to keep them fresh, especially after chopping. On Tuesday, October 29, a YouTube user named Fauzia shared effective tips for storing chopped red onions so they can last up to a month! The method described is very practical and uses easily found ingredients. Curious? Let's take a look at these simple yet effective steps!

1. 1. The Right Preparation of Ingredients for Chopped Red Onions

To obtain chopped red onions that are durable and fresh, the first step is to choose the right ingredients. Prepare fresh red onions that have been chopped, which can be done manually with a knife or more practically using a chopper, as suggested by Fauzia.

Equally important, also prepare a jar or sterilized glass container. According to Fauzia, "A sterilized glass jar can keep the red onions fresh and prevent them from rotting quickly." With a clean jar, the risk of contamination that could cause spoilage is reduced, thus maintaining the quality of the red onions and prolonging their shelf life when stored.

2. 2. Soaking Chopped Red Onions in Cooking Oil

The next step is to prepare cooking oil to soak the chopped red onions. Fauzia recommends using packaged cooking oil rather than bulk oil. According to her, bulk oil tends to be prone to rancid smells that can affect the taste of the chopped red onions. "Make sure the cooking oil is packaged, not bulk, because it is susceptible to rancid odors," she said.

In addition to cooking oil, a little sesame oil can be added to provide a more fragrant aroma. This oil will help protect the red onions from oxidation that can cause changes in color and smell.

3. 3. Storing Red Onions in a Glass Jar the Right Way

After placing all the chopped red onions into the glass jar, make sure each piece is fully submerged in oil before sealing the container tightly. Fauzia emphasizes the importance of keeping the spoon clean when taking the onions, to prevent unwanted contamination.

"In this way, insyaAllah the onions can last up to a month," she said. A tight seal creates an ideal airtight environment, which can inhibit the growth of microorganisms that could accelerate the spoilage of the onions.

4. 4. Fermentation Process at Room Temperature Before Storage

Fauzia also recommends letting the chopped red onions sit at room temperature for a few hours first. This process aims to provide a short fermentation time before storing them in the refrigerator. "A few hours after making the onion marinade, let it sit at room temperature first, then put it in the fridge on the same day for precaution," she explained.

This fermentation will produce some bubbles and a light sour aroma, but this is normal and indicates that the fermentation process is going well. After a few hours, the chopped red onions can be moved to the chiller for longer storage.

5. 5. Tips for Using and Checking the Quality of Chopped Red Onions

Before using chopped onions, it is very important to check their condition, especially after being stored for a few weeks. If there are any changes in color or suspicious odors, it is better not to use them. With the right fermentation process, red onions can remain fresh and safe to consume for a long time.

In the comments section of Fauzia's Channel, netizens showed remarkable enthusiasm for this method, with many asking about the consistency of the oil in the refrigerator and the impact if sesame oil is not used. Overall, this method offers a practical solution for anyone wanting to ensure the availability of chopped red onions for a long time.

6. Frequently Asked Questions about Chopped Red Onions

Can chopped red onions be stored at room temperature? Chopped red onions are best stored at room temperature for only a few hours for initial fermentation. After that, it is advisable to store them in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

7. What is the effect of sesame oil in storing chopped red onions?

Sesame oil provides a more fragrant aroma to chopped onions, but its use is optional. If not added, chopped onions can still be preserved as long as they are soaked in packaged cooking oil.

8. Why is bulk cooking oil not recommended for soaking chopped red onions?

Bulk oil is more susceptible to oxidation and rancid odors, which can affect the aroma and quality of chopped red onions during storage.

9. What should I do if the chopped red onions start to show bubbles in the oil?

These bubbles usually appear as a result of fermentation, especially if stored at room temperature for a while. As long as there are no changes in color or unpleasant odors, the chopped onions remain safe to use.

10. How long can these chopped red onions last in the fridge?

Chopped red onions stored in packaged cooking oil in a tightly sealed glass jar can last up to one month in the refrigerator, especially in the chiller section.

(kpl/mnd)