To store banana shallots properly, you need to dry them thoroughly and provide good air circulation. Here's a detailed breakdown:
1. Drying is Essential:
Before storing, ensure your banana shallots are completely dry. This is crucial for preventing rot and extending their storage life.
2. Preparation:
- Harvesting: Harvest shallots when the tops begin to yellow and fall over.
- Cleaning: Gently brush off any excess dirt, but avoid washing them with water unless absolutely necessary. If you do wash them, ensure they are completely dry before proceeding.
3. Proper Storage Conditions:
- Location: Choose a cool, dry, and dark location for storage. Ideal temperatures are between 32-40°F (0-4°C). Avoid areas with high humidity.
- Air Circulation: This is paramount.
- Single Layer: Lay the shallots out in a single layer.
- Racks or Trays: Use wire racks, slatted trays, or even mesh bags to allow air to circulate around each shallot. Avoid piling them on top of each other.
- Storage Containers (Alternatives): You can also braid the dried shallot tops together and hang them in a cool, dry place.
4. Things to Avoid:
- Refrigeration: While low temperatures are good, the humidity in a refrigerator is generally too high for long-term shallot storage, unless you can maintain a very dry environment.
- Plastic Bags: Avoid storing shallots in sealed plastic bags, as this traps moisture and promotes spoilage.
- Damaged Shallots: Discard any shallots that show signs of damage or rot, as they can contaminate the rest.
5. Expected Storage Life:
When stored correctly, banana shallots can last for 6-8 months, or even longer. Regularly check your stored shallots and remove any that are spoiling to prevent the problem from spreading.
In summary, drying the bulbs completely and providing adequate air circulation in a cool, dry, and dark place are the keys to successful banana shallot storage.
