The onion and the potatoes They are elements that combine wonderfully in numerous recipes. The potato omelette is a classic, although some insist on opening the debate on whether the tortilla it is better with or without onion. The truth is that the good gastronomic relationship of both products should not be carried beyond the pans and pots. Most families dedicate a space in their kitchen or pantry to store potatoes, onions, and even garlic. What most don’t know is that keeping them that way is one of the biggest mistakes they can make because it shortens the life of the products. The potatoes will soften ahead of time and will begin to sprout roots.
The fault for this to occur is the ethylenea gas emitted by onions and which accelerates the deterioration of the potato. Ethylene is a plant hormone that occurs naturally in plants and acts as a regulator of growth, maturation and senescence.
In addition, another of the reasons that complicate the coexistence of these two foods is that onions can also transmit moisture and potato odors, which can affect their quality and flavor.
The third reason is the temperature. Each one needs a different temperature range to be better preserved.
How to preserve potatoes
potatoes need darkness and be in a place dry. The ideal temperature for its preservation ranges from 8 and 15 degrees. If the temperature is above, the aging process will be accelerated, the appearance of roots and their reduction in size. Another aspect to take into account is that they cannot be too exposed to light because that causes the appearance of solanine, a toxic substance very likely to quickly sprout, soften and shrink. This substance can only be removed if the potato is exposed at temperatures above 170 degrees, something that only happens when frying or in the oven.
Potatoes need to breathe to prevent the formation of moisture. The ideal is to keep them in a dark cloth bag, mesh or in a wooden box and cover it with a cloth. It is best that they are not too close together and there is space between them for them to breathe. When they take a while it is important to watch them because when a potato spoils you have to throw it away because it can end up spoiling the rest, In addition to generating a rather annoying smell. Following these tips, the potato can last in good condition for up to four months.
How to preserve onions
First of all, you have to know that the onions that are harvested in spring and summer do not usually last as long as those obtained in autumn, which can remain in good condition throughout the winter. The variety of onion is also important, for example spicy onions contain sulfur (which makes you cry) and helps preserve the onion in winter.
The onion not only spoils the onion but being close to it also harms it because it absorbs its moisture and that damages it. You need one temperature between 4 and 10 degrees, so the fridge can be a good option even though they need to be in a dry and ventilated place. In order for them to be ventilated, it is recommended do not use plastic bags and use instead a mesh or net (as they usually are in supermarkets), tying a knot between each onion to prevent them from absorbing moisture when in contact with each other. Another option is to save them in a paper bag (do not fill it more than half) with small holes.
In the event that we decide to store the onions in the Fridgeand it is advisable to cover the drawer with kitchen paper and wrap them with the same paper to avoid humidity. It is not convenient to pile them up and they should not be in contact with each other.
How to freeze onions
If you can’t find the perfect place to keep onions, they can also be frozen. For it, chop the onion and place it in a single layer on a tray plastic flat. Then we wrap it with transparent film and we can freeze it. Better to keep several individual bags than all the onion in one.
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