If you are planting onions not only for a large harvest, but also for taste, choose varieties that remain juicy, do not taste bitter, and store well. This onion can be cut into a salad without tears, added to borscht without pre-frying and rolled up for the winter; it does not lose its flavor even in February.
Among dozens of options, I have selected five proven varieties that will delight you both in summer and winter.
Strigunovsky local – classic Russian bow. Large bulbs are golden brown in color, dense inside, with moderate pungency and slight sweetness. Ideal for first courses and homemade cutlets. It is stored until April, almost does not germinate and does not rot.
Stuttgarter Riesen – a German variety with world fame. The bulbs are flat, large, with a thin but durable husk. The taste is soft, slightly sweet, without sharp bitterness. Great for daily use and pickling.
Red Baron – an early variety with purple husk and snow-white pulp. Despite the bright color, it is surprisingly delicate and sweet. It is stored until March, almost does not get sick and does not spoil. It is often used for salads, as it does not darken when cut and remains juicy.
Centurion – a Dutch hybrid bred specifically for long-term storage. The bulbs are elongated, very dense, with a thick husk. It almost doesn't shoot, doesn't crack and stays there until May. Great for large families and food preparations for future use.
Heroic – late-ripening Russian variety. Large bulbs with golden husk, dense structure and rich taste. The yield is high and the keeping quality is excellent. This onion will be the base for all your winter dishes.
To keep the onions as long as possible, dry them after harvesting for a week in the shade, under a canopy or on the balcony. Then carefully cut the neck, leaving 2-3 centimeters, and put it in a cool, dry place. Do not wash onions before storing; even a drop of water can cause rot.
It’s also useful to put a few cloves of garlic or a sprig of wormwood in each box. They will repel moths and mold without any chemicals.
Question and answer:
Is it possible to use purple onions for preparations?
Yes, Red Baron is great for pickling and salads. It does not darken when cut and retains its juiciness.
Do I need to wash onions before storing them?
No, you can't wash it. Even traces of moisture cause mold. Just gently shake off the soil and dry.
