How to Cure Onions: A Guide to Preservation

How to Cure Onions?

To cure onions properly, it is important to dry them before storage.

Drying onions prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and freezing.

In wet climates or if onions have been exposed to moisture, drying is even more crucial.

Onions should be dry before being lifted from the field, and any excess moisture should be removed before storage.

The bulbs need 14-20 days of drying and curing before they can be stored.

Properly cured onions have a tight neck and uniform, dry outer scales.

Curing, like drying, requires heat application before storage.

Artificial curing can help reduce neck-rot and spoilage.

It is recommended to apply hot air at around 115°F for 16-24 hours.

However, temperatures exceeding 125°F for 24 hours or 115°F for 48 hours can damage the onions.

In hot and dry climates, natural curing in the field for at least 5 days is beneficial.

Bulk pallets or wooden crates are recommended for curing, but if not available, burlap bags can be used.

Properly cured onions have dry and shrunken necks.

Other natural curing methods can also be used, minimizing handling by allowing the crops to cure in place.

Key Points:

  • Onions should be dried before storage to prevent bacteria, mold, and freezing.
  • Drying is especially important in wet climates or if onions have been exposed to moisture.
  • Onions should be dry before being lifted from the field and excess moisture should be removed.
  • Bulbs need 14-20 days of drying and curing before storage.
  • Properly cured onions have a tight neck and uniform, dry outer scales.
  • Curing requires heat application, preferably hot air at around 115°F for 16-24 hours, to reduce neck-rot and spoilage.


Did You Know?

1. Onions can actually help relieve bee stings! Simply cut a fresh onion and apply it directly to the affected area to soothe the pain and reduce swelling.

2. Did you know that the ancient Egyptians believed that onions symbolized eternal life? They were often placed in burials to ensure that the deceased had a prosperous afterlife.

3. Onion juice has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for hair growth. It is believed to nourish the scalp and stimulate hair follicles, promoting healthy and strong hair.

4. In certain cultures, onions have been regarded as a powerful ward against evil spirits and vampires. Hanging onions in doorways or scattering them throughout a house was believed to keep supernatural entities away.

5. Onions have a significant amount of vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system. During World War II, British pilots would consume onions to improve their resistance to colds and flu, hence the nickname “Onion Johnnies” for those who sold onions in the streets.

Importance Of Properly Drying Onions

Properly drying onions before storage is essential to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and freezing. This is particularly important in wet climates or if onions have been exposed to moisture. As onions are lifted from the field, excess moisture should be removed to ensure their longevity in storage. Drying onions before storage involves a process known as curing, which requires an appropriate amount of time for the bulbs to dry and develop a tight neck and uniform, dry outer scales.

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Drying onions not only prevents spoilage but also helps to maintain their quality and flavor. When onions are properly dried, their outer scales become paper-like and shrunken, and the neck becomes tight. By following the correct drying process, onions can be stored for several months without any deterioration. In contrast, improperly dried onions are prone to decay and rotting, resulting in the loss of the entire crop.

To summarize, here are the key points for properly drying onions before storage:

  • Remove excess moisture from onions after lifting them from the field
  • Allow onions to undergo the curing process for the proper amount of time
  • Properly dried onions have paper-like outer scales and a tight neck
  • Store properly dried onions to prevent decay, rotting, and crop loss.

Drying And Curing Requirements For Onions

To ensure the proper drying and curing of onions, it is crucial to adhere to certain requirements. The bulbs need approximately 14-20 days of drying and curing before they can be safely stored. This process can be done by applying heat, either naturally or artificially.

Artificial curing involves the use of hot air at a temperature of 115°F for 16-24 hours. On the other hand, natural curing takes advantage of hot and dry climates. In this method, onions are windrowed and left to dry in the field for at least 5 days.

It is recommended to use bulk pallets or wooden crates for the curing process. However, if crates are not available, curing in burlap bags is suggested. Regardless of the method chosen, the end result should be dry and shrunken necks, indicating that the onions have been properly cured.

Additionally, other natural curing methods minimize handling by allowing the crops to cure in place, further reducing the risk of damage during the drying process.

Artificial And Natural Curing Methods

Artificial curing is a widely used method to ensure the preservation of onions. By applying hot air at a specific temperature and duration, this method helps to reduce neck-rot and spoilage. However, it is essential to be cautious while applying heat, as temperatures exceeding 125°F for 24 hours or temperatures of 115°F for 48 hours can damage the onions. Care should be taken to maintain the ideal conditions for artificial curing to achieve optimal results.

Conversely, natural curing takes advantage of the natural elements, particularly in hot and dry climates. This method involves windrowing the onions in the field and allowing them to dry naturally for a minimum of 5 days. The sun and air circulation play a crucial role in the success of this method. It is important to note that the choice between artificial and natural curing methods depends on environmental factors such as climate, availability of resources, and the desired outcome.

  • Artificial curing:
  • Helps reduce neck-rot and spoilage
  • Requires caution to avoid damaging the onions with excessive heat
  • Ideal conditions should be maintained for optimal results

  • Natural curing:

  • Utilizes windrowing in hot and dry climates
  • Allows onions to dry naturally for at least 5 days
  • Relies on the sun and air circulation for success

“The choice between artificial and natural curing methods depends on environmental factors such as climate, availability of resources, and the desired outcome.”

Efficient Method For Harvesting And Storing Onions

Efficiency in the process of harvesting and storing onions can greatly benefit both commercial farmers and home gardeners. A method has been developed that minimizes handling and maximizes efficiency by reducing costs, energy usage, and the number of harvesting processes. This method involves cutting off the water supply to the onions 1 to 2 weeks prior to lifting them. This technique is particularly effective in areas with dry and warm harvesting seasons.

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After the fields have dried, a machine is used to undercut the onions, removing their roots. The onions are then lifted, topped, and loaded in a one-step process for immediate bagging or storing. By eliminating several individual steps, this method streamlines the entire process, saving time and labor. Additionally, it reduces the risk of damage to the onions during handling, ensuring a higher quality crop.

  • Minimizes handling and maximizes efficiency
  • Cut off the water supply to the onions 1 to 2 weeks prior to lifting
  • Undercut the onions, removing their roots
  • One-step process for lifting, topping, and loading
  • Saves time and labor
  • Reduces the risk of damage to the onions

Tips For Drying And Storing Onions

To ensure the best results when drying and storing onions, it is important to follow some key tips:

  1. Harvest onions when most of the tops have fallen over and begun to dry.
  2. Dry the onions in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated location for two to three weeks, or until the tops and necks are dry and the outer bulb scales begin to rustle.
  3. Discard any onions showing signs of decay to prevent the spread of spoilage.

For storage, onions can be stored in:

  • Mesh bags
  • Nylon stockings
  • Wire baskets
  • Crates that allow for proper air circulation.

It is recommended to store onions at temperatures between 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 65 to 70 percent. These conditions help to maintain the texture, flavor, and quality of the onions for an extended period.

Factors Affecting Onion Storage Life

The storage life of onions can vary due to several factors. Cultivar selection is crucial as some varieties are better at keeping than others. Additionally, storage conditions, including temperature and humidity, have a direct impact on onion storage life. Good keepers can last several months, while poor keepers may only last a few weeks.

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Other factors that can affect the storage life of onions involve the overall quality at the time of harvest and the effectiveness of the drying and curing process. Onions that are properly dried and cured have a greater chance of a longer storage life. It is essential to understand and manage these factors in order to maximize onion preservation and prevent unnecessary spoilage and waste.

  • Cultivar selection affects storage life
  • Storage conditions (temperature and humidity) impact onion longevity
  • Quality at harvest and effectiveness of drying and curing process influence storage life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do onions need to cure?

To properly cure onions, it is essential to allow them to dry in a warm and well-ventilated area, such as a shed or garage. The curing process typically takes about two to three weeks. During this time, it is crucial for the onion tops and necks to dry completely, and for the outer bulb scales to start rustling. This thorough drying process ensures that the onions have the optimal storage life and flavor.

How do you treat onions at home?

To treat onions at home, one method is to cure them in a well-ventilated area such as a garage, shed, or covered porch. It is crucial to keep them away from wet weather and ensure the conditions are dry and the temperature remains below 85℉ for a period of two to four weeks. By maintaining good airflow and ventilation, this method allows the onions to properly dry and reach their optimal state for storage or further use.

Is it OK to cure onions in the sun?

While it is generally recommended to cure onions in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated location out of direct sun, curing them in the sun can be acceptable under certain circumstances. The drying process helps onions develop a protective layer that prolongs their storage life. If you live in a region with consistently dry and sunny weather, carefully curing onions in the sun can be a viable option. However, if rain is forecasted during the harvest period, it is advisable to opt for an alternative location to ensure proper drying and prevent moisture damage.

Do onions need curing?

Yes, onions require curing to maintain their quality and prolong their storage life. The curing process is essential as it allows onion bulbs to form a protective layer of dry, fully cured skin. This protective skin shields the bulbs from moisture loss and prevents the entry of pathogens that could lead to rotting and the development of an unpleasant odor. In addition, curing onions enables the convenience of storing them at room temperature, eliminating the need for refrigeration.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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