Think Twice Before Storing Scallions In The Freezer

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It might be your first instinct to lump scallions in with other foods that are best stored frozen, but chef Randy Feltis of @‌KatherineWants on TikTok, and author of "Katherine Wants: The Ultimate Date Night Cookbook," urges you to think twice before storing scallions in the freezer, especially since there are better ways to store the delicate veggies, which are really green onions that have been harvested early. When it comes to freezing them, explains Feltis, you shouldn't just chuck the scallions in there all alone. "Some people like to freeze their herbs at the end of the year but they add them into an herb butter or olive oil," he says. "This works because you are saving their freshness. But they do need to be incorporated into something." 

While freezing scallions might be your first instinct, it is perhaps the worst way to store them on their own. That's because, once they're thawed out, you'll notice a dramatic change in texture. Instead of providing that light, crispy crunch fresh scallions are known for, the frozen variety can turn out incredibly soggy after ice crystals have damaged the structure of the plant. While freezing scallions will extend their shelf life for up to six months, it will also limit their usefulness to joining recipes for soups and sauces, which is potentially heartbreaking if you were planning to add scallions to your build-your-own taco bar.

The two best scallion storage options that chef Feltis mentions are storing the stalks in a glass of water or in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel — yes, the very same paper towel trick that makes hardy herbs last longer. The former technique is especially practical for home cooks who are looking to grow their own scallions. "So, Katherine likes to store them in a quarter inch of water in a glass because she grows them," Feltis explains, "Whereas I wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag." 

Proper scallion storage is key to maintaining the freshness and crispiness of these vegetables. Raw, crisp scallions bring color and a delicate bite of flavor to dishes ranging the gamut from miso soup to loaded baked potato casserole. Not only does their crisp texture bring something extra to dishes, but so does their subtle onion flavor.