Harvesting onions is an essential process for ensuring long-term food storage, especially if you want them to last for up to six months or more. Onions are not only a fundamental ingredient in many recipes but also relatively easy to grow and store with the right methods. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step through the entire process, from harvesting to storing onions for the long term, so that you can enjoy your harvest throughout the year.
Why Grow Onions?
Onions are a kitchen staple that feature in almost every dish, making them a valuable crop for any gardener. They’re easy to grow, and thanks to their strong odor, they naturally repel pests, helping protect other plants in your garden. Moreover, when harvested, cured, and stored properly, onions can last for months, giving you a reliable source of food well into the winter.
When to Harvest Onions
One of the key aspects of growing onions is knowing when to harvest them. Onions don’t mature based on a set number of days but rather on the length of daylight they receive. The summer solstice marks the longest days of the year, and that is when onions tend to reach their maximum bulbing.
For optimal results, you should plant your onions so that they reach maturity around the summer solstice. For instance, starting your seeds in early January and planting them out by March will usually result in a healthy onion crop ready for harvest by July. You’ll know your onions are ready when the tops start dying back and fall over.
How to Properly Harvest Onions
When harvesting, it’s important not to simply pull onions from the ground by their tops, as the stems may break. Instead, gently loosen the soil around the base and lift the onion out by hand. Onions are fairly easy to harvest, and using this technique ensures you don’t damage the bulb, which could impact their storage life.
Once you’ve pulled them from the ground, inspect your onions for damage. You’ll want to discard any bruised or damaged bulbs, as they won’t store well.
Curing Onions for Long-Term Storage
Once you’ve harvested your onions, the next crucial step is curing. This process helps onions develop a tough outer skin, which will protect them during storage.
Steps for Curing Onions
- Drying Outdoors: After harvesting, lay the onions out in a sunny, dry spot, ideally on a concrete or similar hard surface, for a day. This initial drying helps remove moisture from the soil that may still be clinging to the onions.
- Selecting the Right Day: Make sure to choose a day that’s not too humid, as the curing process is more effective in dry conditions. If you have pets, particularly dogs, keep them away from the onions since they are toxic to dogs.
- Indoor Curing: Once the onions have dried in the sun for a day, move them to a location with good airflow and moderate warmth, such as a garage or breezeway. Ideally, the temperature should be between 75-80°F. Spread the onions out in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other to allow for proper air circulation.
- Duration: Allow the onions to cure in this environment for about two to three weeks. You’ll know they’re ready when the stems and necks are completely dry, and the outer skins are papery.
Storing Onions for Maximum Shelf Life
After curing, it’s time to prepare the onions for long-term storage. You should cut the tops and roots off, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to the onion bulb.
How to Store Onions
- Choose the Right Storage Method: Onions should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry location. The ideal temperature for storing onions is between 32-40°F. Some good options include mesh bags, bushel baskets, or cardboard boxes with holes for ventilation.
- Air Circulation: Ensure that the storage area has adequate air circulation to prevent the onions from sprouting or rotting prematurely. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can shorten the shelf life.
- Storage Duration: How long your onions will last depends on the variety you’ve grown. Pungent onions, known for their strong flavor, generally store longer—up to 10-12 months under ideal conditions. Sweet onions, on the other hand, typically last only about 1-3 months. If your storage environment is less than ideal, such as a hot and humid garage, expect your onions to last 4-6 weeks at best.
Organizing Your Onion Storage
If you’ve harvested a large amount of onions, it’s helpful to organize them properly for storage. One option is to use mesh onion storage bags, which provide excellent airflow. Alternatively, you can use other materials like organza bags, which are commonly used for storing fruits and vegetables. You can hang these bags in a cool, well-ventilated area such as a garage with open windows.
By regularly checking on your stored onions and removing any that show signs of rotting or sprouting, you can ensure that the rest of your harvest stays in good condition.
How Long Can Onions Last in Storage?
As mentioned earlier, the longevity of your onions in storage depends on their variety and the conditions in which they are stored. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Pungent onions: Can last up to a year if stored at the right temperature and humidity level.
- Sweet onions: Typically last between 1-3 months in ideal conditions.
If you don’t have a root cellar or other ideal storage environment, the onions will likely last for about 4-6 weeks. Regardless, having a proper system for curing and storing onions will significantly increase their shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to harvest onions? Onions are best harvested when the tops start to fall over and turn yellow. This typically occurs around the summer solstice for many varieties.
- How long does it take to cure onions? The curing process takes about 2-3 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity levels of your curing environment.
- Where should I store my cured onions? Onions should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place with good air circulation, such as a basement, garage, or root cellar.
- How long do onions last in storage? Pungent onions can last up to 12 months in ideal conditions, while sweet onions usually last 1-3 months.
- Can I store onions in the refrigerator? While onions can be refrigerated, it’s not ideal as the moisture in the fridge can cause them to spoil faster. A cool, dry, and dark place is the best option.
- What should I do with damaged onions? Damaged onions should be used immediately as they won’t store well.
- How do I know if my onions are properly cured? Onions are properly cured when the necks are completely dry, and the outer skin feels papery.
