Are Sprouted Onions Safe to Eat?
A brilliant green tentacle across the middle may resemble something from a science fiction film, but it is not harmful or deadly. The onion will be softer and somewhat more bitter, but using sprouted bulbs in cooked meals is simple. A bag of onions in the pantry is a lovely (and helpful) thing. With so many recipes that call for onions, dropping in whenever you need them is convenient, if not required.
However, keeping a bunch on hand at all times ensures that a shoot will emerge triumphantly from one or more bulbs.When this happens, don’t stand at the pantry doorway contemplating the science experiment taking place within the layers.
Why do onions sprout?
We may believe that the major goal of an onion is to offer a base of savory flavor to foods, however the onion’s principal function is to develop new plants. It is all about survival, after all.
When onions begin the renewal process, they direct their sugars and other nutrients into the shoot, which physically shoots up the center. This causes the onion to lose some moisture and sweetness, which may result in some additional bitter notes, but nothing perceptible when cooked.
Can you eat sprouted onions?
You certainly can. A brilliant green tentacle across the middle may resemble something from a science fiction film, but it is not harmful or deadly. The onion will be softer and more bitter, but using sprouted bulbs in prepared meals is an easy solution. In fact, cutting the sprouts to use instead of green onion is a clever method that makes good use of the onion’s work.
What to do with sprouted onions.
Most crucial, you should use the sprouted onion as soon as possible. The longer it’s left to focus on survival, the mushier your onion will become. Keep sprouting onions for dishes when the allium is cooked.
Chop the green shoot for a wonderful decoration (such on baked potatoes or chili) or remove it by cutting it off, chopping the onion in half, and removing any residual remains of shoot.
How to store onions properly
The archenemy of onions is dampness – for humans, anyhow. Moisture jumpstarts the sprouting process, making the fridge an unhelpful place for storage. Sunlight also causes sprouting, so choose a cool, dark, and dry environment instead, such as a pantry or cellar.
It’s also preferable to keep onions separate from potatoes; the ethylene gas emitted by onions will ripen those spuds.
Conclusion:
While a sprout isn’t always cause for concern, allowing it to grow too far will cause the onion to rot. An excessively soft texture and a musty odor are indicators that the onion has gone overboard. The compost pile is the perfect place for those ruined bulbs.
Onions freeze quickly and easily, if you find yourself afraid that you won’t make it to your cache in time. Simply chop the onions, put them in zip-top bags, and spread them out thinly within the bag, forcing out as much air as you can. You can enjoy them for up to eight months by freezing them.
