Maturity and Harvest Times
- Growing Time: White onions from sets mature relatively quickly, generally reaching full size in 90-100 days, depending on growing conditions.
- Signs of Readiness: When the tops of the plants begin to yellow and naturally fall over, this signals that the bulbs are ready to harvest. Once the majority of tops have fallen, carefully lift the onions from the soil using a garden fork to avoid bruising.
- Curing: For the longest storage life, cure white onions by laying them out in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area (such as a shaded porch or garage) for 1-2 weeks. The outer layers will dry and harden, while the necks seal off for optimal storage.
Cooking Applications
White onions are known for their mild, clean flavour, making them perfect for dishes where a softer onion taste is desired.
- Raw in Salsas & Salads: White onions are delicious raw and commonly used in salsas, fresh salads, and guacamole, where their mild flavour and crunch shine without overpowering other ingredients.
- Mexican & Southwestern Dishes: With their lighter flavour, white onions are ideal for Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, complementing dishes like tacos, burritos, and fajitas without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Grilling & Roasting: When grilled or roasted, white onions take on a subtle sweetness, making them a tasty side or topping for burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas.
- Soups & Stews: White onions add a delicate onion flavour to soups, stews, and stocks, especially where a less pungent taste is desired.
Ideal Storage Conditions
White onions can be stored for a couple of months if handled properly, although they tend to have a shorter storage life than yellow onions due to their higher moisture content.
- Temperature & Humidity: Store white onions in a cool, dark, and dry location, with temperatures between 1-4°C (34-40°F). Cellars, pantries, and basements are ideal storage spots.
- Air Circulation: Proper airflow is essential to prevent rot. Store white onions in mesh bags, paper bags, or baskets to allow for ventilation and avoid moisture buildup.
- Keep Separate from Potatoes: Potatoes release ethylene gas, which can cause onions to sprout and spoil more quickly, so keep white onions and potatoes stored separately.
