Some foods are inedible after sprouting, such as potatoes, which produce toxic substances when they sprout. On the other hand, onions do not produce toxic substances when they sprout, so they are still edible. However, experts note that the nutritional value of sprouted onions is greatly reduced and is not as good as before.
I. Onions have sprouted
Nutrition experts point out that harvested onions can be stored for a long time without sprouting or rotting after being dried. However, if not properly dried or stored improperly, they can also sprout or rot. Onions typically sprout most easily at around 15°C. Sprouted onions, even those with green shoots, do not produce substances harmful to the human body, so they can still be eaten.
However, after onions sprout, the nutrients in the bulb part are transferred to the top to nourish the sprout, leading to a decrease in nutritional content. Additionally, sprouted onions affect their commercial value and taste more pungent. Therefore, onions should be exposed to sunlight for a period and then stored in a ventilated, dry place to prevent sprouting as much as possible.
II. Can you eat sprouted onions?
1. Yes, you can
Potatoes produce a toxin when they sprout, which is harmful to the human body and can cause poisoning reactions. However, onions do not produce this substance when they sprout, so even if they have sprouted, they are still edible and not harmful to the body. It's just that when an onion sprouts, some of its own nutrients are used to support the growth of the sprout, so the nutritional value of the onion decreases at this time, and the texture is not as good.
2. Storage recommendations
Onions have a high sprouting rate in warm and humid places. Therefore, if you have leftover onions at home that need to be stored for a period, it's best to place them in a cool, dry place, especially ensuring it is dry, otherwise they are prone to mold. You can first sun-dry them for a period and then place them in a ventilated, cool location.
3. Diet pairing
Onions can be stir-fried with many dishes, and the taste and texture are quite good. They are also nutritious and can stimulate the appetite. Scrambled eggs with onions is a common home-cooked dish, and you can also make stir-fried onions with potatoes, both of which are simple to prepare. Onions can also be stir-fried with some meats, which makes the meat less greasy. When making some Western dishes, such as spaghetti bolognese or grilled steak, you can add some onions for pairing.
III. Sprouted onions are still edibleRegarding the question of whether sprouted onions are edible, the research results from experts show that even though onions have sprouted, no substances that are easily harmful to the human body have been detected. Only their appearance and texture have deteriorated. If you choose to eat them, it is still possible. However, the taste of sprouted onions becomes more pungent, and their moisture content decreases. But they can still be consumed as food.
IV. How to prevent onions from sprouting
Generally, when selecting onions, you should choose those that look fresh, have shiny skins, are not rotten, have no mechanical damage or soil, and fresh onions should not have leaves. After storage, select onions that are not soft for consumption. When storing, pay attention to ventilation and keep them dry, because excessive humidity can lead to rotting. Therefore, when storing, you should first let them air-dry on a table for a period before storing them.