8 Tips On How To Cure Onions For Storage Homegrown Food, Harvest Onions, The Cure

Cover 8 Tips on How to Cure Onions for Storage Homegrown food, Harvest onions, The cure (675x900)

Table of Contents

1. What is Curing?
2. When to Cure Onions?
3. How to Cure Onions?
4. How Long to Cure Onions?
5. Storing Onions after Curing

What is Curing?

Curing is a process of drying harvested onions in a warm and dry area to remove excess moisture from the outer layers of the onion. It toughens the onion's outer layers and allows them to be stored for a longer time. Curing also helps to improve the flavor of the onions by concentrating their natural sugars.

The curing process is essential for onions because it prevents them from rotting, sprouting, or getting soft while in storage.

When to Cure Onions?

The best time to cure onions is immediately after harvesting them. You should wait until the onion foliage has dried out and fallen over naturally. This usually happens after 100 to 120 days when the onion bulbs are fully matured.

After harvesting, avoid washing the onions, and let them dry out in the sun for a few hours to remove any excess soil. Once the onions are dry, remove the foliage and roots, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the bulb.

How to Cure Onions?

First, choose a dry and well-ventilated area, such as a garage, shed, or covered porch to cure the onions. Make sure the area has good air circulation and is protected from rain and direct sunlight.

Next, spread out the onions in a single layer on a clean and dry surface, such as a wire rack, a screen, or a wooden pallet. Avoid stacking the onions on top of each other, as this can promote moisture buildup and cause the onions to rot.

During the curing process, it is essential to monitor the onions regularly and remove any damaged or rotting onions immediately to prevent them from spreading to the healthy ones.

The curing process can take anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on the weather conditions and the size of the onions. You'll know the onions are fully cured when the outer layers are papery and rustling.

How Long to Cure Onions?

The curing time for onions depends on several factors, such as the size of the onions, the humidity, and the temperature of the curing area. As a general rule, small onions take less time to cure than larger onions.

Onions generally take two to four weeks to cure fully. However, if the weather conditions are humid or if the curing area is not well-ventilated, it may take longer.

Storing Onions after Curing

Once the onions are fully cured, they are ready for long-term storage. To store onions, choose a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry, a root cellar, or a garage.

Before storing onions, inspect them carefully and remove any damaged or rotting onions. Store the onions in a mesh bag, a cardboard box, or a wooden crate to allow air to circulate around them. Avoid storing onions in plastic bags or containers, as this can promote moisture buildup and cause the onions to rot.

Stored properly, onions can last for up to six months or more, depending on the variety and the storage conditions.

Conclusion

Curing onions is an essential step in preparing onions for long-term storage. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your onions remain fresh and flavorful for months to come. Remember to choose a dry and well-ventilated area for curing, monitor the onions regularly, and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy the taste of homegrown onions all year round.