Onion Harvesting Guide: The Ultimate Info You Require
Harvesting and Storing Onions for Optimal Flavor and Shelf Life
Onions, a popular cool season vegetable, are a kitchen staple that can last for several months when properly harvested and stored. Here's a guide on how to ensure your onions develop their best flavor and maximize their shelf life.
The ideal time to harvest onions is when their leaves start to yellow or brown and the main stalks become soft and flop over. This typically occurs 3–5 months after planting, depending on variety and climate. After the tops fall, wait another 1–2 weeks before harvesting to allow further drying of the bulbs.
To cure onions properly for storage, do not wash them; leave dirt on to avoid moisture that can cause rot. Lay onions out in a single layer in a shaded, ventilated area with good airflow (avoid direct sunlight). Cure for 2–4 weeks until the necks are dry and the outer skins are papery.
After curing, trim dried tops and roots. Inspect bulbs to use any with bruises, sprouting, or flower stalks first, as these spoil faster. Store dried onions in a cool, dry, dark, and airy place, such as mesh bags or crates. The ideal storage temperature is about 32–40°F (0–4°C) with 65–70% humidity. Avoid temperatures above 70°F to prevent sprouting and decay.
Cut tops off to within one inch (2.5 cm.) after drying is complete. A soft brush or a gloved hand can be used to remove excess dirt, but avoid washing onions before curing. Any bulbs that have bolted, or formed flower stalks, should be pulled and used right away.
Harvesting onions must be done carefully to avoid damaging the plants or bulbs. It's best to create hills for onions that are to be used for green onions but not for those to be used for bulbs. Onions can be pulled or dug up from the ground with the tops intact using hands, trowel, or pitchfork. Spread harvested onions on a clean, dry surface in a well-ventilated location for drying.
Learning how to harvest vegetables is important for every plant in the garden. The longer you wait to harvest the green tops, the stronger they become. It's best to harvest tops for green onions as soon as they reach 6 inches (15 cm.) in height.
Humans have been growing onions for over 4,000 years. Rich soil, consistent moisture, and cool temperatures help bulb development. Planting onions sets as soon as the garden can be worked is recommended. Onions can provide a kitchen staple through the fall and winter. Bruising onions during harvest can make them more susceptible to rot. After harvest, gently shake the soil from the bulbs.
[1] Onion Culture [2] How to Store Onions [4] Harvesting and Curing Onions
- After properly harvesting and curing onions, store them in a cool, dry, dark, and airy place to prolong their shelf life, just like you would with a well-tended home-and-garden setup.
- For optimal flavor and longevity, make sure to learn the art of onion culture, including when to harvest them and how to cure them for storage, whether you're tending a home-and-garden or a large home-and-garden-like vegetable plot.
