What’s the best way to store Vidalia onions?

The arrival of Vidalia onion season is eagerly awaited every spring, but how do you keep them fresh for as long as possible?

There is an old trick involving stockings or pantyhose. More on that in a minute.

When purchasing Vidalias, look for firm onions without decay or blemishes. No sprouts should be attached, and the thin skins should not be dry.

The best way to preserve Vidalia onions and other sweet onions: Store them in a place that’s cool and dry and keep the onions separated. You can store your Vidalias in the refrigerator, wrapping each in a paper towel.

Treated that way, they can last up to a year.

But they also freeze really well – chopped, sliced or even whole – and then can be used in any recipe calling for cooked onions.

And if you want to eat your Vidalia raw, we suggest giving it a little soak in ice water for about 30 minutes. Then you really can bite into it just like an apple.

What about pantyhose or stockings? 

Do you remember being told to tie your onions into pantyhose, knotting between each onion? Experts say it works nicely. According to the Vidalia Onion Committee: "Tie a knot between each Vidalia and simply cut above the knot when you're ready to use an onion! Be sure to hang in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area."

Two more tips they suggest:

-Store the onions elevated racks or screens in a cool, dry place. One expert suggests placing the racks in a location where there is plenty of air moving around them, such as a garage.

-Do not store your onions near potatoes. This can make the onions spoil.

Wendy Brannen, former executive director of the Vidalia Onion Committee, offers this suggestion: “Toward the end of summer, it’s time to stock up. We know people still use the pantyhose trick [knotting onions individually into panty hose legs], but my favorite way to store them is to buy in bulk and then wrap each onion in paper towels and store them in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Unlike other onions, it’s OK to refrigerate Vidalias.” With her refrigerator trick Brannen is able to have Vidalia onions on hand up until the holidays.

My friend Paula Refi keeps her Vidalia onions on racks in her de-humidified basement. “The Knights of Columbus at our church, St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur, sell them every summer as a fundraiser. I buy a big bag, bring them home and lay them out so they will last as long as possible,” she said.

Staff writer Brian O'Shea and AJC archives contributed to this article.