How to Store Green Onions / Scallions

Green onions (also called scallions or spring onions) are a versatile kitchen staple — used raw as a garnish, cooked into dishes, and added to everything from eggs to noodles. With the right storage method, they can stay fresh and crisp for up to 3 weeks. Here's how to store green onions properly.

Method 1: The Water Jar Method (Best for Longevity)

This is the most effective method for keeping green onions fresh the longest:

1. Trim the root end — Leave the roots intact if possible — they help the onions continue to absorb water.
2. Place in a jar with water — Stand the green onions upright in a glass jar or the OXO Good Grips GreenSaver Herb Keeper with about an inch of cold water covering the roots.
3. Cover loosely — Place a loose plastic bag over the green tops.
4. Refrigerate — Store on a regular fridge shelf.
5. Change water every 2–3 days — Fresh water keeps the roots healthy. You may even notice new growth!

Method 2: The Paper Towel Method

1. Wrap green onions loosely in a dry Sparkle Paper Towel.
2. Place in a SPLF Reusable Bag with a little air left inside.
3. Refrigerate in the crisper drawer.

This keeps green onions fresh for 1–2 weeks.

Bonus: Regrow Green Onions on the Counter

Place the white root ends in a small glass of water on a sunny windowsill. The green tops will regrow within a few days — you can harvest and regrow multiple times from the same roots. It's a great way to get more mileage from a single bunch.

How Long Do Green Onions Last?

• Water jar method (fridge): 2–3 weeks
• Paper towel + bag (fridge): 1–2 weeks
• Unwrapped in fridge: 3–5 days
• Frozen (chopped): up to 12 months

How to Freeze Green Onions

Chop green onions into small pieces and spread on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Transfer to a SPLF Reusable Freezer Bag. Frozen green onions go directly into cooked dishes — they're not suitable for raw use after freezing but work great in soups, stir-fries, and fried rice.

Signs Green Onions Have Gone Bad

• Slimy or mushy green tops
• Yellow or brown wilted tops
• Foul smell
• Mold on the white base

Quick Tips Summary

• ✅ Store upright in a water jar for up to 3 weeks
• ✅ Change water every 2–3 days
• ✅ Paper towel + bag works for 1–2 weeks
• ✅ Regrow the white root ends in water on the counter
• ❌ Don't store unwrapped — they wilt and dry out quickly
• ❌ Don't freeze for raw use — only suitable for cooked dishes after freezing