Green onion is one of those vegetables sold in a large pack but often used in a small amount. Although it enhances an intense flavor to many dishes, many of us don’t use green onions every single day.
Unfortunately, this vegetable has a short life span in the refrigerator. We often let the leaves rot before we have the chance to use them up. So, is there any way to preserve green onions? Can you freeze green onions for later use?
Definitely, yes. Green onions freeze pretty well. Adequately prepared and packed, frozen green onions can stand the test of time. Freezing green onion gives you plenty of time to add this flavorful leaves into a wide array of dishes.
Keep reading to find more information on freezing green onions and other topics around it!
The Right Way To Freeze Green Onions
Just a side note, green onion is also widely known as spring onion, scallion, or green shallots. These different names are used depending on where you live.
Although technically they can be harvested from different species, they are all from the genus Allium—closely related to shallots, garlic, chives, and onions. Check our article to learn the differences between green onions, scallions, and chives.
Green onions only stay fresh for several days in the refrigerator. We often accidentally let them limp and slimy because we have no time to use the whole bunch.
Luckily, freezing can extend its shelf life significantly. Freezing green onions is incredibly easy, and anybody can do it.
Blanching is not required to freeze green onions. However, they may lose the crisp texture after freezing. (*)
Follow the steps below to learn how to freeze green onions.
1. Selecting fresh green onions
Choose fresh-looking green onion. Remove any rotting, slimy, limp, and yellowish part. Some people only use the green leaves, but you can freeze both white and green part.
2. Washing and cutting green onions
Slice off the roots, about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom end.
Wash the remaining parts under running water. Remove any dirt, sand, and other debris. Next, dry the leaves thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
Cut the leaves into your preferred size. You can chop them finely, cut into 1 to 2 inches long, depending on how you want to use them.
If you’d like, you can regrow green onions from the roots. Simply place the roots in a jar filled with water. Leave the jar beside a window or elsewhere to catch the sunlight. Replace the water every other day or when needed. Wait for a few days to regrow the leaves.
3. Flash freezing green onions
Spread the sliced green onions in a baking sheet in a single layer. Let them freeze for a few hours.
This step is optional but allows the green onions to freeze individually rather than sticking to each other.
4. Freezing for long term
After the prepped green onions are frozen, pop them out and transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Squeeze as much air as possible from the bag and seal tightly. Label the bag with the freezing date and stash it in the freezer.
Frozen foods should be kept at 0 °F (−18 °C) or lower in the freezer. Adjust the temperature if necessary.
How To Use Frozen Green Onion
You don’t need to thaw frozen green onions before cooking them. Take an appropriate amount and throw them into the pan while cooking.
Alternatively, you can leave a frozen pack in the refrigerator and let it slowly thaw.
Frozen green onions may not be as crisp as fresh ones, so it’s not suitable to use raw. However, frozen green onions are ideal to use in many recipes.
We have compiled ideas to use frozen onion to make delicious dishes. Here they are.
Freezing green onions significantly increases its shelf life for 10 to 12 months if continuously frozen. They might still be edible after a year but with lower quality, particularly if they suffer from freezer burn.
FAQs
Should green onions be refrigerated?
Green onions are more like leafy greens instead of root vegetables. Unlike onions and garlic that can stay at room temperature for a long time, green onions require refrigeration. When properly refrigerated, green onions will stay fresh up to a week. Freeze them before they wilt if you can’t finish them up right away.
How can you tell if green onions are bad?
You can quickly tell that green onions are going off from the appearance and smell. The first sign starts with a floppy and yellowish or brownish leaves. If it’s just the green leaves’ tip, discard the discolored part and use the remaining. If the leaves are slimy, soft, and somewhat gross, discard them.
How can you keep green onions crispy?
Cold water makes an effective trick to put your vegetables and herbs, like green onions, back to life. Simply put your green onions in cold water, and there you’ll have them crispy again.
Summary
Freezing green onion is a viable solution to extend the shelf life of this delicate vegetable. Unlike other raw vegetables, blanching is not required in freezing green onions. Simply prepare and cut them, flash freeze for a couple of hours, pack in a freezer bag, and freeze for later use.
With proper handling and freezing, green onions can stay good up to a year after freezing! You can use frozen green onions to flavor and garnish various cooked dishes.
Freezing green onions is incredibly easy and an excellent way to save money and prevent food waste!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
