Onions that store well are varieties bred or naturally suited for long-term storage after harvest. These onions typically have thick, dry outer skins and a firm, dense bulb that resists rot, mold, and sprouting. They are ideal for keeping in cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions for several months, making them perfect for winter use or for gardeners who want to preserve their harvest.
Storage onions are usually dry, mature onions such as yellow onions, red onions, or certain white varieties. They develop fully before harvest, and the necks of the bulbs dry naturally, which helps prevent moisture from causing decay. Sweet onions, in contrast, are not ideal for long-term storage because their high water content makes them more perishable.
Proper curing is essential for storing onions. After harvesting, bulbs should be left in a warm, dry place with good airflow for a few weeks until the outer layers are papery and the necks are fully dried. This process ensures the onions remain firm and resistant to mold or rot during storage.
Storage onions should be kept in cool, dry, and dark conditions. Temperatures around 32–40°F (0–4°C) with low humidity help maximize shelf life. They can be stored in mesh bags, crates, or baskets to allow air circulation, which further reduces the risk of spoilage.
Types of Onions That Store Well
Walla Walla Sweet Onion
Walla Walla onions are large, mild, and famously sweet, making them a favorite for fresh eating. Despite their delicate flavor, they store surprisingly well if kept in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Their thick skins help protect the bulbs, allowing them to last several months. This makes them perfect for gardeners looking for onions that remain usable long after harvest.
Yellow Sweet Spanish Onion
Yellow Sweet Spanish onions are a classic choice for storage. They have a firm texture and thick outer layers that help prevent spoilage. When cured properly, they can last 6–8 months. Their sweet, slightly pungent flavor makes them versatile for both cooking and raw dishes.
Red Creole Onion
Red Creole onions are medium-sized, red-skinned onions with a robust flavor. They store exceptionally well due to their firm bulbs and strong outer skins. These onions are ideal for use in salads, sautés, and long-cooked dishes. Proper curing and storage in a ventilated space can extend their shelf life to several months.
Yellow Granex (Vidalia) Onion
Vidalia onions are sweet, mild, and famous in the southern United States. Though they are softer than some storage onions, if harvested at the right time and cured carefully, they can last a few months. Their thin skins make them less ideal for extremely long storage, but their exceptional flavor makes them worth it.
Ailsa Craig Onion
Ailsa Craig onions are a large Scottish variety known for their excellent storage ability. With proper curing, these onions can last up to 6–8 months. They have a mild, sweet taste and are particularly valued for their use in soups and stews. Their thick skins and firm bulbs make them perfect for winter storage.
Copra Onion
Copra onions are widely regarded as one of the best storage onions in the world. Their thick, dry skins and firm flesh allow them to last 6–8 months or more when stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated area. They have a strong, slightly pungent flavor, making them excellent for long-term kitchen use.
Spanish Roja Onion
Spanish Roja onions are large, red-skinned onions with excellent storage qualities. Their firm bulbs and strong outer layers make them resistant to rot, allowing storage for several months. Their flavor is sweet yet slightly sharp, making them versatile in cooking.
Yellow Danvers Onion
Danvers onions are a classic heirloom variety known for their long storage life. With thick skins and firm bulbs, they can last 6–8 months under proper conditions. They have a strong, traditional onion flavor that works well in both cooking and preservation.
Red Wing Onion
Red Wing onions are a firm, red-skinned variety that stores exceptionally well. Their tight outer layers protect the bulb, making them resistant to rot during long-term storage. With proper curing and cool, dry conditions, they can last 6–7 months. Their flavor is slightly sweet with a mild pungency, perfect for salads or cooking.
White Lisbon Onion
White Lisbon onions are crisp, white onions that maintain their quality over extended periods. They have a firm texture and thin but resilient skins, allowing storage for 5–6 months. Their mild, clean flavor works well in fresh dishes and cooking alike, making them a versatile kitchen staple.
Prizetaker Onion
Prizetaker is a yellow onion variety prized for its excellent storage capability. Its firm bulbs and tough skins allow it to last 6–8 months in optimal conditions. It has a robust onion flavor, making it ideal for cooking, canning, or long-term use. Gardeners often favor this variety for its high yield and durability.
Stuttgarter Onion
Stuttgarter onions are a German heirloom variety known for both sweetness and storability. The bulbs are firm, with strong skins that resist moisture and rot. They can last 6–7 months if cured and stored properly. Their mild, sweet flavor makes them suitable for soups, stews, and fresh consumption.
Red Marble Onion
Red Marble onions are a medium-sized, red onion variety with excellent long-term storage qualities. The firm flesh and tight skins allow them to last 5–6 months in cool, dry conditions. Their flavor is moderately sharp but sweet, ideal for cooking or adding color to dishes.
Australian Brown Onion
Australian Brown onions are known for their resilience and storage ability. With thick, protective skins and firm bulbs, they can be stored for 6–8 months. Their flavor is rich and slightly sweet, making them versatile for a wide range of culinary uses.
Copra Red Onion
Copra Red is a storage-friendly red onion variety with thick skins and firm bulbs. Like its yellow counterpart, it can last 6–8 months in proper storage. Its flavor is bold and slightly pungent, perfect for long-term kitchen use where both taste and longevity matter.
Yellow Sweet Spanish (Long Keeper)
Some varieties of Yellow Sweet Spanish onions are specifically bred for long storage, known as “long keepers.” With thick skins and firm flesh, they can last up to 8 months when cured and stored correctly. Their mild, sweet flavor makes them ideal for cooking, roasting, and salads throughout the winter months.