We have been told not to use potatoes that are sprouting as they contain toxins - but how about onions?
Good news. We can still eat them.
After all, many of us will have spotted long green shoots emerging from onions stored in a place that is too warm or too bright.
But unlike sprouting potatoes, onions do not contain any toxins and can therefore still be eaten safely, says German organization Zu gut für die Tonne (Too good for the bin).
But make sure the onions are still firm and dry.
Onions that are spoiled often smell foul and tend to be soft. Often you can see signs of mould, for example in the form of dark discolouration. If that is the case, do not use them.
Use your leftovers to make caramelized onions
Sometimes you may have a half or some sliced onions left over after cooking. You can use these for delicious caramelized onion rings.
To make these, peel the onions and cut them into thin rings. Then heat some oil in a pan and add the rings separately. Sprinkle a little sugar over the sautéed onions and stir until they caramelize. Finally, deglaze with wine or vegetable stock. The liquid should evaporate completely.
Why onions and potatoes don't get along
Consider this when you are storing your onions - they should not be stored next to potatoes. Onions draw moisture from potatoes and can rot faster as a result.
Potatoes, on the other hand, sprout more quickly when stored next to onions. So it is best to store them separately in the cellar.
If you don't have a cellar, store them in a container with holes in a cool place away from light. – dpa
