Red Baron Organic Onion seeds - Allium cepa

The Red Baron Onion is a late variety, hardy and good for storage, suitable for summer harvests. It produces large bulbs with dark red skin. Their white, compact and thick flesh has a sweet and sugary flavor. It is sown from February to April for a harvest three months later.

The onion is a plant cultivated as a vegetable and as a condiment. It is the fleshy bulb that is consumed, sometimes the stems in the manner of chives.

There are three groups of onions, distinguished by the colour of the bulb:

- White onions, early harvest, consumed in vegetable gardens for example or pickled in vinegar,

- Yellow onions, for storage, often consumed cooked (soups, pissaladières, compotes as accompaniments to cheese or charcuterie),

- Red onions, preferably consumed raw in salads.

Rich in vitamins A, B, C and minerals, onions are often more digestible when cooked and take on a sweeter flavour. To avoid crying while cutting an onion, you can peel it under running water, in a basin of water or wear swimming goggles!

Historically, the onion originates from Central Asia where it has been consumed for over 6000 years. Its presence is also attested in the tombs of the pharaohs as a source of provision. Its therapeutic and gustatory virtues were already recognized. The Romans introduced the onion to Western Europe much later. It is also worth noting that it was Christopher Columbus who introduced it to the Americas during his second voyage.

Harvesting: White onions are harvested in spring when the foliage is still green. Coloured onions (yellow and red) are harvested in summer when the stems are completely dried and fallen to the ground. Gently pull them out and let them dry for two to three days on the ground in the sun. Remove the excess dried soil by lightly rubbing them.

Storage: Onions can be stored for several months under good conditions. If the condition of the stems allows, you can make a braid and hang the bundles. Otherwise, cut the leaves and store the onions in a dark, cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Check beforehand that they have not been bruised to avoid rotting, which could contaminate the entire harvest.

Gardener's tip: alternate rows of onions and carrots to deter the carrot and onion fly. Additionally, onions thrive in the company of beets, strawberries, and lettuces.

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