Ailsa Craig Onion - Allium cepa

'Ailsa Craig' produces giant straw-coloured globe-shaped onions. They have a sweet, mild flavour, and are best eaten fresh. Sow in spring (or autumn in milder climates). Harvest from August to September.

Allium cepa is a popular herbaceous biennial vegetable belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, alongside chives, garlic, and leeks. It is grown for its edible bulb and occasionally for its stalks. It is thought to be native to central Asia, where it has been grown and consumed for over 6000 years. Traces of onions have also been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs. They were introduced to Western Europe much later by the Romans, then to the Americas during Christopher Columbus’s second voyage.

Onions can be grouped into 3 main categories, based on the colour of their bulb:

- White onions: early-maturing and ideal for pickling

- Yellow onions: ideal for storing, generally eaten cooked in soups and stews etc.

- Red onions: perfect for fresh salads

Onions are an excellent source of minerals and vitamins A, B, and C. They are known for their ability to reduce “bad” cholesterol and lower blood pressure. They develop a sweeter flavour and are easier to digest when cooked. To avoid eye irritation when preparing onions, peel or chop them under the tap or in a bowl of water.

Harvesting: white onions are harvested in spring when the leaves are still green. Coloured onions (yellow and red) are harvested in summer when the onion tops are completely dried out and folded over. Gently lift the bulbs, brush off any excess soil, and leave them to dry in the sun for 2-3 days.

Storage: onions will keep for several months in the right conditions. Cut off the leaves and store the onions in a dark, cool, dry and airy place. If the leaves are strong/long enough, they can be braided together to form attractive bunches and hung from the ceiling. Before storing, check for bruising as it only takes one rotten onion to contaminate the whole crop.

Good to know: onions and carrots are excellent companion plants as onions repel carrot fly. Onions can also be successfully grown alongside beets, strawberries, and lettuce. Avoid growing onions too close to members of the Fabaceae family.