Many food storage hacks point to the fridge as the best place for everything from apples and bananas to earthy potatoes. However, not all fresh ingredients thrive in chilly conditions, as is true for onions.

Thanks to their versatility in cooking, onions are a staple in every household, but they are prone to sprouting, softening, and moulding if stored incorrectly. Onions last longer in a cool, dark, dry space that’s well ventilated, which rules out the fridge and kitchen counter. American chef and author Julia Child suggested hanging onions in a clean pair of sheer tights—and it’s a quirky hack that has been used for generations.

The fridge is a cold and humid environment, which can cause onions to soften and spoil.

According to Southern Living, the nylon material used in tights repels moisture and allows air to circulate.

Hanging onions is simple: place one onion in the tights, then tie and knot. Add another onion, tie a knot, and so forth until the whole leg is filled with onions.

Some preparation will go a long way when using this method, like cutting the tight legs into two separate ones to make tying the knots easier.

Checking over your onions is also essential before storing them. Look for signs of mould, bruising on the skin, and rot at the roots. If any onions look worse for wear, it’s best to use them immediately or compost them if they’re too perished.

The food experts at Southern Living suggest hanging the onions in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or a garage, with airflow but no direct light.

A shed, or a spare room with no direct sunlight and good ventilation, also works well for hanging onions.

Darkness is crucial to “help keep them from sprouting as much,” and tying the onions this way keeps them from touching each other, allowing the air to circulate more freely.

Scott Evans, a food storage expert from the self-storage company Pink Storage, agrees that this is “a brilliant way to keep them [onions] fresh for months.”

It is particularly effective for shop-bought produce that is already a week old before reaching the supermarket.

According to the gardening experts at Mr Fothergill’s, homegrown onions are also best stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

Keeping onions out of direct sunlight is essential for their longevity. Mr Fothergill’s team said, “Unheated rooms in the house or even the garage are perfect spots to keep your onions.”

Onions can be stored by putting them in a net bag or sack and hanging them up wherever there is space.

The gardening experts noted: “It is important, however, to check on your onions every so often to make sure that no bad onions ruin your batch!”