A much-loved staple in many kitchens worldwide, onions do more than just add a delicious savoury base to our favourite dishes. Whether you're making chicken stock with a mirepoix, aiming for a unique Thai stir fry using sweet onions, or looking for that extra punch in a green salad, onions are your ally. Figuring out how to keep these much-loved bulbs from expiring too quickly, however, can be a challenge.

Onions thrive best in a cool, dark, dry setting. Moist environments or direct sunlight can encourage mould and sprouting. Keeping them in the pantry is a good approach, as you can better control their environment, keeping them away from any direct heat sources. Furthermore, to slow down the degradation process, avoid storing your onions with fruits and vegetables-particularly apples and potatoes-that emit ethylene gas. Cut onions, especially, favour an airtight container, while unpeeled onions benefit from plenty of air circulation.

Over the years, I've gone to lengths finding the best way to store onions. If you're like me, navigating the allium-keeping journey, here are some top-rated storage suggestions I have found, beginning from just $15.

This compact metal basket on Amazon could be your go-to for onion storage. With a minimalist design that includes a non-scratch stand and a powder-coated curved wire, it fits perfectly within a pantry or a drawer, keeping your onions away from sunlight. This 11.2-inch round and 6-inch tall basket has garnered five-star reviews, with some users even penning down poems about it. For $15, this is a steal if you want to prolong the freshness of your onions.

Alternatively, consider this two-tier Amazon countertop basket perfect for storing bulk-bought or freshly-harvested onions. Its design facilitates good air circulation, and the wooden handle makes it portable. As an additional feature, the baskets are detachable for individual use. Made of sturdy iron with an open-mesh design, this basket is applauded for its convenience and space-efficiency.

For those seeking a more natural look, a bamboo produce holder is an excellent choice. Paired with a wooden cutting board and utensil holder, it not only enhances your kitchen aesthetics but also serves a functional purpose. Bamboo is a safe choice for food storage due to its antibacterial properties. The slotted wooden baskets suffice for ample airflow, allowing the onions to breathe.

In certain instances, you may need your storage to serve as additional countertop real estate. Amazon's three-tier storage unit with wheels, a wooden tabletop, and wire mesh baskets should do the trick. The unit can be conveniently positioned in a pantry or cellar and moved easily when necessary. These storage baskets come with wooden handles for easy access, and its sturdiness makes it an excellent buy at only $43.

Lastly, if you often find yourself storing half-used onions in plastic bags in the fridge, Sooplue’s onion savers are a worthy consideration. These silicone keepers form a vacuum seal that locks air out and retains freshness. Reusable and dishwasher-friendly, they replace the need for single-use plastics and provide an efficient alternative. Each set comes with four silicone keepers, ideal for other produce like avocados and lemons.