Anyone Have a Great Way to Store Onions and Potatoes?

[scfr]

We buy these staples in bulk so we need a good way to store them.

I've searched the internet to find a way to store onions and potatoes that is effective, frugal, and clean (since they'll be stored in our pantry and I don't want dirt & pieces of onion skin getting all over like they are now) without any success.
Anyone have a great system they are willing to share?

[bjl584]

Don't store them close to each other. It sounds weird, but something about the onions will accelerate the potatoes into sprouting.

Onions keep for a very long time in the refrigerator

Potatoes do pretty well in a paper bag in a cool dry place.
Your basement will work so long as it's not damp.

[kork13]

Biggest thing is to keep the two of those totally separate -- like at least a few feet apart. Otherwise, they both store very similarly. Cool, dry, dark, and at least some ventilation.

Personally, I keep them in 2 paper grocery bags in opposite sides of my pantry. Not perfect, but the simplest option I've come across. The grocery bags also do a good job of containing the onion skins.

I've also seen folks hang them in wire baskets lined with a thin cloth, in the cellar, pantry, or a couple cabinets. The wire baskets are better for ventilation.

As I hit "Post", I had a thought for a variation on the wire baskets... You could probably store them in wire mesh magazine holders, like the cheap things you see at an office supply store (or Walmart). Then you could just slide it into a pantry shelf like a box of cereal.

[Fishindude77]

Just do an online search of onion and potato bins and you will find dozens of options.
Keep them cool, dark and dry.

[scfr]

Thanks - there are some good suggestions here that meet the criteria I mentioned. I've got a couple ideas percolating but for now I'm going to put them in open cardboard boxes on opposite sides of the pantry (no basement) and see how that goes.

[Jose Walsh]

One effective and frugal way to store onions and potatoes is to use breathable containers or bags. This will allow air to circulate, which can help to prevent moisture buildup and spoilage. Here are some options to consider:

1. Mesh bags: You can purchase mesh bags specifically designed for storing onions and potatoes. These bags are breathable and allow for air circulation. They also help to keep your pantry clean by containing any dirt or pieces of skin.
2. Paper bags: Another option is to store your onions and potatoes in paper bags. Paper bags are also breathable and can help to absorb any excess moisture. Plus, they are biodegradable and can be recycled or composted.
3. Baskets or crates: If you prefer a more rustic look, you can store your onions and potatoes in baskets or crates. Make sure the baskets or crates have slatted sides or bottoms to allow for air circulation.

Regardless of which storage method you choose, be sure to store onions and potatoes separately. Onions release gases that can cause potatoes to spoil faster, so it's best to keep them in separate containers.

Finally, store your onions and potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them near appliances that generate heat or in areas that are exposed to sunlight, as this can cause them to spoil more quickly.

[Bozzdivine]

What I know for sure is that they need to be stored separately, as onions release substances that accelerate the ripening of other vegetables. I also know a tip - is to store onions in old pantyhose.

[scfr]

Thanks - there are some good suggestions here that meet the criteria I mentioned. I've got a couple ideas percolating but for now I'm going to put them in open cardboard boxes on opposite sides of the pantry (no basement) and see how that goes.

Since this old thread was resuscitated, I'll share that the couldn't-be-much-easier option of keeping onions and potatoes in open cardboard boxes on opposite sides of the pantry is working just fine. It may help that our pantry stays a bit cooler than the rest of the house.