Vegetable

• Crops in : August to September

Description

Glossy, red skinned, deeper, more top shaped bulbs of darker flesh with red tinge to the rings. Flavour is quite pungent. Ideal for storing and using throughout the autumn and winter.

Sowing Instructions

Early sowings in trays can commence in January to February under heated glass to plant outdoors in late April or May. Outdoor sowings can be made in a prepared seedbed in a sunny, sheltered site during March to April. Sow thinly, 13mm deep, in drills 30cm apart. Lightly cover the seeds with soil, firm gently and water if soil is dry.

Aftercare

Harvest bulbs in August to September after the leaves have fallen down and dried. Lift bulbs and allow to dry in rows on the soil for 7 to 10 days. Then store in a cool, well-ventilated, dry shed or room in onion nets, ropes or trays./p>

Nutritional Information

For years onions have been used as one of the oldest medicines for their anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-asthmatic properties. They have also shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Kitchen Notes

Serving suggestion - Baked onion soufflé with mozzarella. Sauté sliced onions in butter, then whisk with chicken or mushroom soup, flour, eggs and mozzarella. Pour into a baking dish and bake till brown. Serve with Italian bread.