How Do I Plant This Onion?

[zeedman]

Originally Posted by Gemini Jim

I've also eaten the topsets, and it is a bit of work, but potentially the most versatile use for this plant. Blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge them in ice water, and they will pop right out of their skins. Then you can then chop them up or cook them whole a la pearl onions.

That's a great tip. I get a lot of topsets from my walking onions, but never could figure out how to deal with the tough skins. Some of the topsets this year are bigger than they have ever been, I've got some 2" bulbs on one variety. If the skins slip off that easily, I'll be breaking out the soup kettle.

The ground bulbs should be ready to harvest soon, after I harvest the topsets & the plants go dormant. As GeminiJim mentioned, they don't store well. They are also really strong flavored. I will be trying to dehydrate some of them this year, to see if I can use them as dried minced onions... which would overcome the storage issue.

[ChristinaJoMD]

When you dehydrate them, do it outside. Experience!

[zeedman]

Originally Posted by ChristinaJoMD

When you dehydrate them, do it outside. Experience!

When I dehydrate onions or garlic, I do it in the garage. Hopefully that drives out any mice which might have taken up residence.