The provided video excerpt briefly mentions the stringing process by winding an onion around the string and sliding it into place. A more comprehensive explanation of how to dry and string onions involves both the drying (curing) process and the actual stringing technique.
Here's a breakdown of how to dry and string onions:
1. Harvesting and Preparation:
- Harvest: Harvest onions when the tops begin to fall over and turn yellow or brown.
- Gently Lift: Carefully lift the onions from the ground, trying not to bruise them.
- Trim Roots: Trim the roots to about 1 inch.
- Leave Tops: Leave the tops intact; these are essential for stringing.
2. Drying (Curing) Onions:
- Why Cure? Curing dries the outer layers of the onion, preventing rot and extending storage life.
- Ideal Conditions: Choose a dry, well-ventilated location with temperatures between 75-80°F (24-27°C). Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the onions.
- Drying Methods:
- On the Ground: Lay onions in a single layer on the ground, raised platforms, or wire racks.
- Hanging: Braid or tie the onion tops together and hang them in bunches. This method is especially suitable for stringing later.
- Duration: Cure for 2-3 weeks, or until the necks are completely dry and the outer skins are papery.
3. Stringing Onions:
- Materials: You'll need strong twine or string.
- The Technique (Based on the Video Snippet and General Practice):
- Start with a Long Piece of Twine: Ensure you have enough length to accommodate all your onions and leave extra for hanging.
- First Onion: Begin by creating a loop at the end of the string, leaving a tail for easy tying.
- Winding: Take the first onion and wind the string around its neck (the dried leaves just above the bulb) several times to secure it.
- Sliding into Place: Slide the onion down the string to the loop. This helps keep it in place and creates a compact arrangement.
- Subsequent Onions: Repeat the winding and sliding process with each onion, placing them close together on the string. Ensure each onion is securely fastened by winding the string tightly around the dried neck.
- Knotting: As you add more onions, create knots in the string between them to prevent them from bunching too closely together. This also provides added security if one onion happens to slip.
- Finishing: Once all the onions are strung, tie off the end securely, creating a loop for hanging.
4. Storage:
- Hang in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your strung onions in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.
- Check Regularly: Periodically check the onions for any signs of spoilage and remove any that are rotting to prevent the spread to other onions.
By following these steps, you can effectively dry and string your onions, ensuring they are properly preserved for long-term storage.
