Tomatoes and onions are kitchen essentials in almost every Ghanaian (and global) home. But they also tend to spoil quickly if not stored properly—leading to wasted food and money. The good news is, with the right storage methods, you can keep them fresh for longer.
Here’s how:
How to Store Fresh Tomatoes
1.Keep Them at Room Temperature (if unripe)
•Place unripe tomatoes on the counter, away from direct sunlight.
•To speed up ripening, put them in a paper bag with a banana or apple (they release natural gas that ripens tomatoes faster).
2.Don’t Refrigerate Unripe Tomatoes
•Cold temperatures stop ripening and affect their natural taste and texture.
•Only refrigerate tomatoes once they are fully ripe and you want to extend their shelf life for a few more days.
3.Store Ripe Tomatoes in the Fridge (Short-Term)
•Place ripe ones in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
•Let them sit at room temperature for a while before using—this helps restore some of their flavor.
4.Preserve by Blending or Freezing
•If you bought too many tomatoes, blend and store in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays.
•Frozen tomato paste can last for months and is handy for quick cooking.
How to Store Onions
1.Keep Them in a Cool, Dry, and Ventilated Place
•Store whole onions in a basket, mesh bag, or netted sack—not in plastic bags, as they need air circulation.
•Avoid direct sunlight and moisture, which cause sprouting or rotting.
2.Don’t Refrigerate Whole Onions
•The fridge makes onions soft and moldy faster.
•Only store chopped/sliced onions in an airtight container in the fridge (for up to 7 days).
3.Separate Onions and Potatoes
•Never store onions and potatoes together—gases from potatoes make onions spoil quickly.
4.Freeze for Longer Storage
•Chop onions and freeze them in small portions.
•Use directly in stews, soups, or sauces—no need to thaw!
Quick Tips to Avoid Wastage:
•Buy only the amount you can use within a week.
•Check onions/tomatoes regularly and remove spoiled ones immediately to prevent spread.
•For big bulk purchases (like market shopping), process and freeze extras.
Final Thought
With just a little care, you can make your tomatoes and onions last much longer. Whether you keep them fresh, blend and freeze, or store them in the right containers, these small steps will help you cut down waste and save money.