Red Onion
Allium cepa
The Red Onion was native to 3 different regions, Romania, Italy, and the United States. The main use of the onion is culinary use. Check out the information below to learn about the red onion.
Planting Instructions:
Plant onion seeds inside 8-10 weeks before moving outside
Seeds should be sown 1/4 inch deep in fertile soil with sunlight and good drainage
Seeds will germinated 4-10 days after being indoors
Transplant outside before the last frost of the season
When transplanting keep seeds 6 inches apart from each other and away from weeds
Before last frost create a 4 inch deep furrow for the seed and water this furrow before transplanting
Harvesting Instructions:
Red onions are ready to harvest when around 10 percent of the plant's bulbs fall off
They can be dug up with your hands or a gardening tool
Shake off any excess dirt and wash the onion and harvesting is complete
Red Onion History
Allium cepa, the scientific name for the red onion, is a plant in the Amaryllidaceae family that is thought to have originated in central Asia more than 5,000 years ago. Its cultivation eventually reached ancient Egypt, where it became a representation of eternitas and was frequently interred with pharaohs. Red onions were prized for their strong flavor and therapeutic benefits by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used them to treat a variety of illnesses. Red onions were made more widely available through trade routes over the years, and they soon became a common ingredient in many diverse cuisines. Red onions are a common element in cuisines all over the world because of its vibrant color, distinctive flavor, and multiple health advantages.
Uses of Red Oinion
Harvesting Onion Seeds
Salads: Red onions are commonly used in salads due to their vibrant color and mild flavor, adding both visual appeal and a crisp, fresh taste.
Pickling: Red onions are often pickled in vinegar with spices, providing a tangy and slightly sweet addition to sandwiches, burgers, and charcuterie boards.
Salsas and chutneys: Red onions are a popular ingredient in various salsas and chutneys, contributing a distinct flavor and crunchy texture.
Grilling and roasting: Red onions can be grilled or roasted whole, in wedges, or as rings, caramelizing their natural sugars and creating a savory, sweet taste that complements a variety of dishes.
Garnishing: Thinly sliced red onions are frequently used as a garnish for dishes like tacos, curries, and grilled meats, providing a burst of color and a slight crunch.
Cooking in stews and sauces: Red onions can be sautéed and added to stews, soups, and sauces, imparting their unique flavor and adding depth to the dish.
Choose a healthy plant: Select a robust, disease-free red onion plant with desirable traits, as the seeds will carry the parent plant's genetic characteristics.
Allow the plant to flower: Instead of harvesting the onion bulb, let the plant grow and produce a flower stalk. This process may take longer than a single growing season, as onions are biennial plants, typically flowering in their second year.
Monitor the flowers: The red onion will produce a globular cluster of small, star-shaped flowers called an umbel. Wait for the flowers to bloom and be pollinated by insects, which is essential for seed production.
Let seeds mature: After pollination, the flowers will gradually transform into small, green seed pods. Allow these pods to dry and turn brown or black, indicating that the seeds inside have matured.
Harvest the seeds: When the seed pods are dry and brittle, carefully cut the flower stalk from the plant. Place the entire umbel in a paper bag or lay it on a clean surface indoors to further dry for a week or two.
Separate the seeds: Gently break apart the dried seed pods, releasing the small, black seeds. Remove any remaining chaff or debris.
Store the seeds: Place the cleaned seeds in a labeled, airtight container or a sealed envelope. Store them in a cool, dry, and dark place until you're ready to plant them in the next growing season.
Red Onion Fun Facts
Natural dye: Red onion skins create vibrant natural dyes for fabrics.
Ancient athletes: Greek athletes consumed red onions for performance enhancement.
Tear-free cutting: Techniques like chilling or cutting under water reduce tears.
Symbol of eternity: Ancient Egyptians placed red onions in tombs for eternal life.
References
Shopping. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.seedsavers.org/grow-onion#:~:text=on%20their%20own.-,Harvesting,the%20remainder%20of%20the%20seeds.
A guide to 6 different types of onions and how to use them - 2023. MasterClass. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-onions
Gaby. (2023, February 21). 15 fun facts about onions that will amaze you! Fun Facts About. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.funfactsabout.com/fun-facts-about-onions/
Grant, A. (2021, June 15). Planting and harvesting red onions - how to grow red onions. Gardening Know How. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/onion/growing-red-onions.htm
Onion history. National Onion Association. (2019, December 1). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.onions-usa.org/all-about-onions/history-of-onions/#:~:text=Many%20archaeologists%2C%20botanists%2C%20and%20food,or%20even%20writing%20was%20invented.
Written by Hunter Reed, Mount Aloysius Student 2023