6 July 2024, by Benedict Vanheems
Onions are a kitchen staple and rank second only to tomatoes in global production. To maximize the yield and longevity of your onion harvest, it’s crucial to store them properly. This guide will walk you through the harvesting, curing, and storage process, ensuring your onions stay fresh and flavorful for months.
When to Harvest Onions
Growing onions is immensely satisfying, especially as you watch those bulbs swell over a few weeks. Using the multi-sowing technique—planting in groups of four or five—maximizes your garden’s productivity, even in small spaces.
Onions are ready for harvest when their leaves begin to flop over, and the neck where the stem meets the bulb softens. This signals that the onions are entering dormancy. Look for bulbs with skins that are starting to color, as this indicates they’re ready to be lifted. While you can use onions fresh at any stage, fully mature bulbs are best for storage.
How to Harvest Onions
Whenever possible, harvest onions during dry weather. Dry conditions make lifting easier, keep bulbs cleaner, and help kick-start the drying process.
To harvest, gently twist and lift the bulb or use a hand fork to loosen the soil around stubborn bulbs. Handle with care to avoid damaging the leaves or roots, as these are vital for the curing process. Delay cleaning the bulbs until after curing, but you can brush off large clumps of dirt if necessary.
Separate small, damaged, or flowering onions—they won’t store well and should be used immediately. Refrigerate these for short-term use.
Curing Onions
Curing creates a protective, papery layer around the bulbs, reducing the risk of bacteria or mold while enhancing their flavor. Spread the onions in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated space. A greenhouse, porch, or garage can work well, as long as it’s sheltered from rain.
Allow the onions to cure for two to four weeks, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying. Once the leaves shrivel, roots turn wiry, and skins become richly colored, they’re ready for storage.
Clean up the bulbs by removing loose skins and trimming the roots to a small stump. If you plan to string your onions, leave about 6 inches (15 cm) of foliage intact for weaving.
4 Ways to Store Onions
Once cured, choose a storage method that suits your needs:
- Breathable Bags
Place onions in mesh sacks or net bags, ensuring they’re not overcrowded to allow airflow. - Bunched Leaves
Tie groups of onions by their leaves for quick and effective storage. - Pantyhose Method
Store onions in pantyhose, knotting between each bulb. This separates them, making it easy to snip off individual onions as needed. - Classic Strings
For a practical and decorative option, string your onions. Start by tying a slip knot at the bottom of a long string. Secure the first onion by looping its stem through the knot, then add subsequent onions, weaving their stems through the string and tucking them under the bulb above. Rotate each onion for a spiral effect.
Optimal Storage Conditions
Regardless of the method, store onions in a cool, dry place with good airflow. Ideal locations include basements, frost-free outbuildings, or cooler rooms in your house. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity.
For sack or net-stored onions, keep them off the ground and away from pests. Onion strings and bunches can be hung from rafters or hooks. Check regularly for soft or moldy bulbs and remove them promptly.
With proper care, well-stored onions can last until spring, bringing you tantalizingly close to next year’s harvest.
Have questions or storage tips? Share them in the comments below!