I was unloading groceries last week when someone casually said, “You know you’re not supposed to keep onions and potatoes next to each other, right?”
I paused, holding a bag of each in my arms like I’d just been caught red-handed. I’ve done it that way forever. They sit together in a basket on the kitchen counter like old friends. But now I couldn’t stop wondering – is this really a problem?
So I did some digging. Let’s explore this together – because if you’ve ever tossed onions and potatoes into the same drawer, you might be curious too. This article looks at why people say to keep them apart, what actually happens when they mingle, and what you can do instead if you’re trying to keep your produce fresh and flavorful.
Why Do People Say You Shouldn’t Store Them Together?
Let’s start with the basics. The idea that onions and potatoes shouldn’t be stored together isn’t just a random myth – it actually has a bit of science behind it.
Potatoes and onions both release moisture and gases as they age. Potatoes, for example, like a cool, dark, and dry place. But onions release a little bit of ethylene gas, and that can make potatoes sprout faster. At the same time, potatoes give off moisture, and onions really don’t like that. Too much humidity can cause onions to get soft or moldy.
So even though they seem like they should be fridge buddies or pantry pals, they’re not a great match when it comes to shelf life. They end up speeding up each other’s aging process, which can lead to early spoilage – or worse, that funky smell when something goes wrong in the bottom of the basket.
What Happens If You Still Store Them Side by Side?
Okay, let’s be real for a second. If you’ve been doing this for years, like I have, and you haven’t seen any major disasters, you’re not alone. It’s not dangerous to store them together. But it can mean you’re throwing out onions or potatoes sooner than necessary.
You might notice your potatoes start sprouting little green shoots faster. Or maybe the onions seem a bit too soft by the time you get around to using them. You might not even notice until one day, you go to grab an onion and it’s started to collapse in your hand. Ew.
That’s the risk – it’s not immediate or dramatic, just quietly inconvenient. And in a time when groceries aren’t exactly cheap, small changes like this can help reduce waste.
Where Should You Store Potatoes Instead?
Potatoes like it cool, dry, and dark. Think of a spot like a pantry, cupboard, or cellar if you’ve got one. They don’t want to be too cold – don’t pop them in the fridge – but they definitely don’t want to be somewhere warm or humid.
Avoid storing them in plastic bags, because that traps moisture. Instead, go with a paper bag, a basket, or even a cardboard box with a little ventilation. And keep them away from strong-smelling veggies like onions or garlic if you can – potatoes tend to absorb odors easily.
If you store them right, they’ll stay firm and creamy when cooked, instead of shriveled or rubbery.
And What About Onions?
Onions are a little picky, too. They like to stay dry and have air circulating around them. A mesh bag or a basket works great. You just don’t want to toss them in a sealed container where moisture can build up.
They also prefer a spot that’s dark and slightly cooler than room temperature – but not too cold. The fridge is okay for chopped or leftover onions, but whole onions usually get soft and rubbery in the fridge over time.
So again, that cool pantry or cupboard is their sweet spot. Just in a different corner than the potatoes.
What If You’re Short on Space?
If you live in a small apartment or just don’t have much pantry room, it might feel like a luxury to give onions and potatoes their own zones. But you can get creative.
Try using baskets or bins to give each their own little space. Even just putting them on opposite ends of a shelf can help. Or if you have room under the sink or in a storage closet, you can dedicate one of those spots to just one type of veggie.
Even separating them by a few feet or using different storage bags can make a difference in how long they stay fresh.
Is This a Huge Deal? Or Just a “Nice to Know”?
Here’s the honest truth: keeping onions and potatoes apart isn’t going to change your life. If you’re using them quickly and your kitchen is pretty dry, you might never notice a problem.
But if you tend to buy in bulk, or you forget about that one onion at the bottom of the basket until it’s too late, this tip might save you a few dollars and a bit of cleanup.
Think of it like using a coaster – it’s not essential, but it helps avoid messes.
The Bottom Line
I’ll admit it – I’ve started giving my onions and potatoes their own corners now. It just feels a little smarter, and they do seem to last longer. No more surprise sprouting. No more soft onions that go bad before I get to use them.
So if you’ve always stored them together, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. But if you’re ready to try something new that keeps your ingredients fresher for longer, this tiny habit shift might just be worth it.
Small changes, big flavor – and a little less waste.
