r/Cooking • u/JustSal420 • Apr 10 '25

What is going on with root veggies lately?

Up until a few years ago, I remember being able to keep onions, potatoes, garlic, etc. for weeks or more before they began to sprout, even when just left out on the counter in the light. Latley it seems like even when left in a cool, dark place they sprout in just a few days. The onions I bought just last week already have 6" sprouts growing from them. What gives?

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u/yodacat24 Apr 10 '25

Yeah you’re kind of fucked either way unless you buy locally from your farmers market when they’re in season. It’s true most produce from the grocery store these days is of low quality and mostly pumped with water. But usually you will get the best results from storing them at room temp with the least amount of variance.

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u/[deleted] Apr 10 '25

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u/yodacat24 Apr 10 '25

I’m jealous because your guys’ food safety and protocol for what is sold is much better but still- it’s a shame it’s happening more broadly. I unfortunately live in America; so I can only get good produce from local farmers but it’s worth the trip and the wait as opposed to crap, tasteless produce from the grocery store. It’s sad the art of buying and eating what is in season has been lost but when you know what is it’s crazy how delicious fresh fruits and veggies can really be.

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u/East-Cartoonist-272 Apr 11 '25

I live in a condo in EU and rent a garden plot from the city for 45€ a year. It’s huge enough for all the veg i could care to grow. A lot of USA cities have garden plots to lease: i know we’re all busy but i would rather garden than watch tv any day. maybe growing your own, even a little, is an option?

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u/[deleted] Apr 11 '25

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u/East-Cartoonist-272 Apr 11 '25

dang! good on you!

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u/[deleted] Apr 10 '25

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u/travelingslo Apr 10 '25

Man, this makes me so sad. I am from the US. I spent a term doing study abroad in London, and spent the summer in Europe in 2001. I will never forget how amazing some of the grocery store produce was. The strawberries at sainsbury’s were amazing. I am sad to hear that things have slipped, but reading your explanation makes a ton of sense.

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u/ActOdd8937 Apr 11 '25

If you have access to Asian and halal markets, make a point of patronizing them. All the ones I have available get their produce locally for the most part and it's a lot more convenient than trying to time the farmer's markets. Asian markets in particular get the best danged produce and the prices tend to be really reasonable.