Yes — you can use an onion after cutting out the bad parts, as long as the remaining flesh is firm and healthy.
Here’s how to handle it safely:
1️⃣ Inspect Carefully
- Cut away any soft, slimy, moldy, or discolored parts.
- If the bad part is extensive or the onion smells sour, it’s safer to discard the whole onion.
2️⃣ Wash the Onion
- Rinse the cut onion under cold water to remove dirt or bacteria.
3️⃣ Use Promptly
- Once you’ve cut out the bad parts, use the onion right away, or store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1–2 days.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Moldy or rotten sections can harbor bacteria or toxins. Don’t try to “scrape it off” and use the rest if the onion smells off or is mushy throughout.
- Firm, healthy-looking parts are perfectly safe after trimming.
If you want, I can also give a quick tip for preventing onions from going bad so you rarely have to cut out bad parts. Do you want me to share that?