How to Store Shallots

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Shallots are smaller and more delicately flavored than onions. Unfortunately, they're also more expensive. Learn how to properly keep shallots so you're not throwing away these costly ingredients. Store the shallots in a cool, dry place and use them before they become soft. You can also freeze shallots that you've chopped, minced, or sliced.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preparing Whole Shallots for Storage

PDF download Download Article
  1. Feel the shallots and choose ones that don't have soft spots. Look for any cuts that might cause the shallot to rot or dry out quickly. You want to store shallots that feel plump and don't have wrinkles. [1]
    • Avoid storing shallots that are sprouting out of the top. Instead, use these quickly since their flavor will begin to turn bitter.

    Did You Know? Shallots are different shapes depending on their variety. You might see small, round shallots that look like miniature onions or long, flat shallots that have a slightly purple hue.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Store Shallots
    Take a brown lunch bag and fold it. Then, punch holes along each edge of the bag so the holes are around 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Put the shallots into the bag and fold the top closed. [2]
    • Label your bag with the date, especially if you'll be storing more bags of shallots throughout the year.
    • Don't fill the bag more than half-full or air won't be able to circulate between the shallots and they could mold.
    Advertisement
  3. Get out a mesh bag made of string and place as many shallots as you want to store into the bag. If your bag was woven, ensure that the gaps between the strings aren't too wide or your shallots may fall out. [3]
    • If you don't have a string mesh bag, use a nylon hose or a metal mesh basket. These will hold the shallots together, but will allow air to move around the shallots.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Storing Whole Shallots

PDF download Download Article
  1. Shallots will last longer when they're stored between 32 and 40 °F (0 and 4 °C). Since this is probably too cold for most people's kitchens or pantries, consider storing your shallots in a cellar or basement. Your space should be between 60-70% humidity to prevent the shallots from molding. [4]
    • You can store the shallots outside as long as air is able to move between them. For example, put the shallots in a drying rack so they're in a single layer.
    • You might find that a cupboard in the basement is cool and dry.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Store Shallots
    As long as your shallots stay dry, you can store and use them for up to 1 year. You might find that they keep fresh even longer than that. [5]
    • Throw away any shallots that become soft or develop dark spots. If the shallot smells rotten, you should also discard it.
  3. If your kitchen or pantry is too hot or humid, you can put the shallots in the crisper bin of your refrigerator. Refrigerate the shallots for up to 1 month. [6]

    Tip: There's no need to cover the shallots. Place the mesh bag of shallots directly into the fridge or take them out of the paper bag before storing them.

    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Storing Sliced, Chopped, or Minced Shallots

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Shallots
    Take as many sliced, chopped, or minced shallots as you want and put them into a small freezer-safe bag or airtight container. [7]
    • Squeeze as much air out of the bag as you can before you seal it shut. Fold that bag over on itself to push the air out.

    Tip: If you don't have a freezer bag or airtight container, place the shallots on a sheet of plastic wrap, wrap them tightly in the wrap, and then wrap them again in aluminum foil.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Store Shallots
    Use a permanent marker to label the bag or container with what's inside along with the date. Then, put them into the freezer. [8]
    • It can also help to write how much is inside the bag or container, so you don't have to open it to find out. For example, write "5 sliced shallots, 9/22."
  3. Keep in mind that the longer you freeze the shallots, the less crisp they'll be when you thaw them. To thaw the shallots, transfer them to the fridge the day before you want to use them. [9]
    • It's best to cook with shallots that have been frozen so you don't notice changes in texture.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

      • String mesh bag
      • Paper bag
      • Hole puncher
      • Freezer bag or airtight container
      • Nylon hose or metal mesh basket, optional

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Cook Shallots
      How to
      Peel Shallots
      10 Ways to Keep Sliced Bananas from Turning Brown
      How to
      Make Dried Orange Slices
      How to
      Store Pavlova
      How to
      Keep a Baguette Fresh with Proper Storage
      How to
      Stop Bananas from Turning Brown Too Quickly
      How Long Do Olives Last? (And How to Tell If They’ve Gone Bad)
      How to
      Prevent Sugar Syrup from Forming Crystals (Plus, How to Fix It)
      How to
      Seal Glass Jars
      How to
      Ferment Fruit
      How to
      Store Popcorn So It Lasts Longer
      How to
      Keep Brown Sugar Soft
      The Right Way to Refrigerate and Freeze Fresh Green Beans
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://harvesttotable.com/shallots_bulb_vegetable_shallo/
      2. ↑ https://www.garden.eco/how-to-store-shallots
      3. ↑ https://www.garden.eco/how-to-store-shallots
      4. ↑ https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-harvest-dry-store-onions-garlic-shallots
      5. ↑ https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-harvest-dry-store-onions-garlic-shallots
      6. ↑ https://www.garden.eco/how-to-store-shallots
      7. ↑ https://www.garden.eco/how-to-store-shallots
      8. ↑ https://www.garden.eco/how-to-store-shallots
      9. ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18304

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,591 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement