Have you ever wondered…What’s the best way to keep green onions fresh?

Green onions are a versatile kitchen staple, adding a fresh, crisp flavor to everything from salads to soups to stir-fries. But like many fresh ingredients, they can wilt and lose their flavor quickly if not stored properly. 

Whether you bought them in a bunch or grew your own, learning how to keep green onions fresh can help reduce waste and ensure you always have this vibrant and tasty vegetable on hand. 

We have put together a guide with different ways to help you store green onions so they are always fresh. Enjoy some of our favorite tips for extending the shelf life of your green onions, so you can enjoy their crisp, refreshing bite for longer. 

Let’s dive into the best methods for keeping green onions fresh—straight from the fridge, countertop, or even your own windowsill!

What Are Green Onions?

Green onions are a type of allium vegetable closely related to onions, garlic, and leeks. Unlike mature onions, green onions have long, slender stalks with a small white bulb at the base. 

Both the white and green parts of the plant are edible, offering a mild, slightly peppery flavor with a subtle sweetness. The white base has a more intense taste, while the green tops are milder and often used raw in salads, garnishes, or as a topping for dishes like tacos and soups. 

Green onions are commonly used in a variety of cuisines for their fresh, crisp texture and bright flavor. Plus, they’re often used in cooking as an aromatic base, similar to onions or garlic, but with a milder taste.

Are Green Onions and Scallions the Same Thing?

Yes, green onions and scallions are essentially the same thing. Both terms refer to the same vegetable, which has long, thin stalks and a small white bulb at the base. 

While the term green onion is more commonly used in the United States, scallion is often preferred in other parts of the world. Despite the different names, there’s no difference in the vegetable itself—they are one and the same. 

How to Keep Green Onions Fresh: Whole In Water on Windowsill

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep green onions fresh is by placing them in a jar of water on a sunny windowsill. 

Simply trim off any wilted or damaged ends, then place the green onions upright in a glass jar or cup with enough water to cover the roots, leaving the green stalks exposed above the water line. 

Make sure to change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh and prevent any bacterial growth. The roots will continue to grow, and the green tops will stay vibrant and crisp. 

As long as they have access to sunlight, your green onions can thrive for weeks on the windowsill.

How to Keep Green Onions Fresh: Refrigeration

To keep green onions fresh in the refrigerator, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their crispness and flavor. 

First, trim off any wilted leaves, and place the green onions in a jar or glass with a small amount of water, just enough to cover the roots. This will allow them to continue absorbing moisture and stay fresh longer. Cover the jar loosely with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a humid environment, and then place it in the refrigerator. 

Alternatively, you can wrap the green onions in a damp paper towel and store them in a resealable plastic bag or container to help retain moisture. 

Both methods should keep your green onions fresh for up to a week or longer. 

How To Keep Green Onions Fresh: Chopped

To store chopped green onions, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container or bag to absorb excess moisture, which helps prevent the onions from becoming soggy or slimy. 

Chopped green onions will typically stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze chopped green onions.

How To Freeze Green Onions

Freezing green onions is a great way to preserve them for long-term use. To freeze green onions, start by rinsing and thoroughly drying them. Then, chop them into your desired size, whether in small slices or larger pieces, depending on how you plan to use them later. 

Next, spread the chopped green onions in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. This “flash freezing” helps prevent the pieces from clumping together. 

Once frozen, transfer the green onions to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

When ready to use, you can toss them directly into cooked dishes like soups, stews, or stir-fries without thawing, as freezing can change their texture, making them best suited for cooked applications.

Ways to Use Green Onions

As we mentioned earlier, green onions are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Here are some of our favorite ways to use them:

In Salads: Green onions make a great addition to fresh salads, whether in a simple green salad, potato salad, or a slaw. Their mild flavor adds a bit of crunch without overpowering the other ingredients.

As a Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over soups, stews, or noodle dishes like ramen to brighten the dish and add a burst of fresh flavor. They’re also perfect for topping tacos, omelets, or baked potatoes.

In Stir-Fries: Green onions are commonly used in stir-fries, offering a mild sweetness that complements other vegetables and proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu. Add them toward the end of cooking to keep their texture intact.

In Dips and Sauces: Green onions can be stirred into dips like sour cream, guacamole, or cream cheese spreads, adding a subtle depth of flavor. They also work well in sauces such as soy-based marinades, dressings, and salsas.

In Eggs: Add green onions to scrambled eggs, frittatas, or omelets for a quick, flavorful breakfast. They pair wonderfully with cheese, mushrooms, and spinach.

In Grains: Stir chopped green onions into cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous for a fresh and zesty addition. They’re great for making simple grain bowls with vegetables and proteins.