Method for Preserving Onions:
Stringing onions is a nifty trick for storing your bulb gluts, giving you a treasure trove in a compact space. Hang them in a cool, dry, frost-free spot, like a shed or garage, until you need to whip 'em out for some kitchen action. If you've got the space, go ahead and grow more onions than you need, then string 'em up to keep winter at bay!
First things first: let those onions air-dry before you string 'em up. Lay 'em out in the sun for a couple of days if it's nice out, or pop 'em on trays in a warm, dry place if it's raining cats and dogs. Aim for the best bulbs; any soggy ones should be devoured pronto, 'cause they're not gonna store well and are prone to mold and mildew.
Want some mouth-watering ways to cook your onion stash? Give these caramelized onions from BBC Good Food a try:
Ingredients
- Onions
- Garden twine
Total time: 1 hour
Let's Get Started!
- Create a Sliding Noose: Tie one end of the cord back onto itself to make a handy little noose. Then tie the other end to a strong hook or wooden beam.
- Make a Pendulum: Wind the tops of three or four onions through the noose to craft yourself a bottom bobber.
- Stack 'Em Up: Wrap each of the remaining onions around the cord, then slide 'em down onto the pendulum. As they pile up, their hefty weight tightens the noose at the bottom and pins 'em in place.
For even more efficient onion stringing tips, consider these insider secrets:
- Select Quality Onions: Pick mature onions with dry, papery skins and firm bulbs. Steer clear of any onions that are soft, bruised, or have green tops, as these won't store well. Opt for onions with strong, intact tops for stringing since the tops are used to tie or thread the bulbs.
- Drying (curing) Onions: After harvesting, cure onions by laying them out in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place for about 2-3 weeks. This drying process helps the outer skins become papery and the necks shrink and seal, preventing rot. Onions are fully cured when necks are tight and skins are dry and brittle.
- Hanging and Storing: Hang the string of onions in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated place, such as a cellar, garage, or shed. Ensure the location remains dry to prevent mold and rot. Good airflow around each bulb is important for preventing spoilage. Periodically check onions and remove any that show signs of rot.
Stringing onions this way helps to preserve them for several months, keeping them fresh and ready to use when needed[1][2][4][5]!
1.After air-drying the onions, create a sliding noose with garden twine and hang them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area like a cellar, garage, or shed, just as you would if you had an excess of home-grown onions in your home-and-garden produce.2. To make the most of your stored onions, try using them in gardening-inspired recipes, such as the caramelized onions from BBC Good Food that utilize the stringed onions as the main ingredient, elevating your lifestyle in the kitchen.
