Storing Onions Harvested from Grass in Baskets: Aesthetics, Winter Freshness, and the Advantages
In the world of gardening, there's a simple yet effective method that's gaining popularity: braiding onion ropes. This technique, suggested by Andrei Tumanoff, an experienced gardener and editor of the "Your 6 Square Meters" portal, not only saves space but also extends the storage life of onions until spring.
Harvesting Onions
To harvest onions, wait for a dry day when the tops (greens) begin to yellow and flop over naturally. You can then gently twist or pull the onions from the soil. It's essential to pull them out carefully, trying not to damage the root.
Drying (Curing) Onions
Once harvested, lay the onions out in a well-ventilated, dry space out of direct sunlight—this can be in the garden if weather permits, under a barn, or inside a shelter. Cure them for about 1-2 weeks until the skins are papery and the tops start to dry but are still flexible enough to braid.
Braiding Onions for Extended Storage
The art of braiding onion ropes involves tying two onions together with a string at the dried tops, leaving 5-10 cm between the onions. Then, wrap one onion around the rope to create a loop. The key is to start braiding when the tops are thicker and pliable but not green and fresh nor too brittle. This balance helps create sturdy, decorative onion braids that allow air circulation, extending shelf life and enhancing market appeal.
Storing Braided Onion Ropes
Dry the onions thoroughly in the open air or a well-ventilated room until the outer skins and neck are completely dry. It's critically important to harvest onions correctly and dry them well before braiding. Store the braided onion ropes in a dry, cool, and dark place. This method creates a strong and airy structure that allows for good ventilation, preventing moisture and mold.
Additional Tips
- Use a DIY onion drying rack or hang braids in a cool, dry place with air flow to prevent rot and mold.
- Properly dried and braided onions can be stored for several months, increasing their value for sale or personal use.
Braiding onions not only serves as a practical storage solution but also offers aesthetic appeal. In addition, the high demand for these braided onion ropes at markets can even serve as an additional source of income. For more information on proper onion harvesting and preparation for storage, see our detailed guide on how to harvest onions to make them last longer.
- Incorporating healthy cooking into your lifestyle, you might consider braiding onion ropes for extended storage. This technique in food-and-drink could help preserve your harvested onions for a longer period, offering a sustainable solution for your home-and-garden produce.
- Braiding onion ropes, a gardening method suggested by Andrei Tumanoff, can proportion your available space while ensuring the longevity of your onions until spring. This practical approach to cooking, a part of your overall lifestyle, can make your food-and-drink ventures more cost-effective.
- Engage in healthy-cooking practices by adoptng such gardening techniques as braiding onion ropes. By following steps like proper drying and storing methods, you can prolong the shelf life of your produce, adding a touch of homemade appeal to your meals and contributing to a healthier diet.
