Processing onions from your garden primarily involves curing them to ensure long-term storage. This process allows the outer layers to dry and protects the bulb from rot.
Curing Onions After Harvest
Curing is the most crucial step. Here's how to do it:
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Harvest When Ready: Onions are ready to harvest when the tops begin to fall over and yellow.
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Gentle Lifting: Carefully lift the onions from the soil, being careful not to bruise them. Shake off any excess dirt, but don't wash them.
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Drying/Curing: This is the key step.
- Location: Choose a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. A shed, garage, or covered porch works well. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scald the bulbs.
- Arrangement: Spread the onions out in a single layer on a clean, dry surface like hardware cloth, screens, or even newspapers (though these require more frequent replacement as they can trap moisture). You can also braid the onion tops together and hang them.
- Duration: Cure the onions for two to three weeks, or until the necks are completely dry and shrunken, and the outer skins are papery and rustle when touched. The necks should be tight and dry, not soft or mushy.
Post-Curing Handling
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Trimming: Once cured, trim the roots back to about 1/2 inch.
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Removing Outer Layers: Gently remove any loose or dirty outer layers of skin. Don't remove too many layers, as they provide protection.
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Storage: Store cured onions in a cool (32-40°F), dry, and dark location. Good ventilation is crucial. Mesh bags or crates are ideal. Check them periodically and remove any that show signs of spoilage.
Not All Onions Store Well
Keep in mind that not all onion varieties are good for long-term storage. Sweet onions, for example, have a higher water content and don't store as well as pungent varieties like Yellow Spanish or Copra. Use sweet onions first.
Onions Showing Damage or Thick Necks
Onions that show signs of bruising or damage when harvesting should be used as soon as possible, because they are prone to rotting and will not store well. Also any onions that have unusually thick necks after the curing process, should also be used as soon as possible, because they will also be prone to rotting.
By following these steps, you can successfully process your garden onions for extended storage and enjoy the fruits (or vegetables!) of your labor for months to come.
