I’ve already shown you how to grow green onions. But what do you do when you suddenly end up with an abundance of green onions and no way to use them all? That is where learning how to dry green onions comes in handy! Following methods with step-by-step instructions using a dehydrator, oven, or microwave, you can enjoy preserving green onions ready to use in soups, stews, eggs, and more! Drying green onions at home gives you a fresher, tastier version than store-bought options. Plus it’s also a great way to prolong their shelf life and reduce waste. You might also enjoy drying your own herbs, like dill, mint, thyme, and rosemary!
Are Green Onions and Scallions the Same Thing?
While there appears to be some confusion about this, yes, green onions and scallions are the same. They have a thin white stem end, vibrant green shoots, and mild onion flavor. Any difference in appearance (usually the size/shape of the whole bulb area) is usually due to when it’s harvested. In comparison, spring onions look similar but have small onion bulbs at their base with a more intense flavor than scallions. However, in some countries (like the UK and Canada), you’ll find green onions labeled spring onions (which may be where the confusion stemmed from).
How to Dry Green Onions In A Dehydrator
First, before using any of the below methods for dehydrating green onions, you’ll need to prepare them: If you leave a bit more of the white bulb, you can save them to replant. It’s incredibly easy to grow/regrow green onions with just the root. Note that the dehydrated scallions will continue to dry as they cool, so it’s a good idea to allow a few pieces to cool for 10-15 minutes before testing if they’re brittle.
How To Dry Green Onions Without a Dehydrator
If you don’t own a dehydrator, you can still dehydrate green onions easily at home with either an oven or microwave.
In The Oven
Some modern ovens have a dehydrating feature, allowing you to go as low as 105ºF/40ºC (for 6-8 hours). If your oven only goes as low as 170ºF/75ºC, prop the oven door slightly open with a heat-proof item, like a wooden spoon or silicone spatula end, and dry for 3-4 hours.
In A Microwave
How Long Will Dehydrated Green Onions Last?
As long as you properly dehydrate them before storing them (together or greens and whites separated) in sterilized, dry airtight containers (I use glass jars/mason jars), you can store the dehydrated green onion for up to a year in your pantry. However, they will be freshest within the first 3-4 months. It’s important to shake the jar once a day for the first few days and see if there’s any clumping/sticking. If so, return them to the dehydrator for longer. To preserve freshness for longer, you can vacuum pack the dehydrated green onions with a jar vacuum sealer tool. Once open, feel free to add an oxygen absorber if you don’t plan on using them all within a year, to prolong the shelf life.
What Can I Do with Dried Green Onions?
Whether you store them in slice form, as flakes, or make green onion powder, there are plenty of ways to use dehydrated green onion to add a delicious oniony depth to dishes:
Soups and stews (including dry soup mixes), Ramen (and homemade “dried noodle” jars), Marinades, Scrambled eggs, Stir-fried rice, Mashed potatoes, Rehydrate to use in scallion pancakes, Rehydrate to use in egg salad, deviled eggs, or potato salad, Turn it into green onion salt, Add to bakes- like bread, dinner rolls, scones, savory muffins, etc. Add to dips, sauces, and gravies.
Recipe Tips and Notes
Cut uniform pieces: To ensure they dry at the same rate. Separate greens & whites: The white parts contain more moisture and take longer to dehydrate. So it’s best to keep them on a separate tray/area of the tray. It can help to separate the layers by slicing down the side and pulling the white rings apart. Don’t overcrowd them: They need space for airflow to dehydrate properly. For smoky flavor: Char the scallions on a grill lightly before dehydrating them.
How to Dehydrate Foods
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (3 Ways) How to Dehydrate Apples How To Dry Mushrooms Easy Steps to Dehydrate Chives 3 Ways to Dry Parsley
If you try this easy method for how to dry green onions, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
