What are the latest storage methods for onions?
The onion is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Liliaceae family. Its main edible part is the bulb, which is plump and sweet with rich nutritional value. In China it is a major cultivated vegetable, and its planting area is also relatively large. After onions mature and are harvested, if they cannot be brought to market in time, they need to be stored properly. So how should onions be stored? Below, the editor brings you the storage methods for onions. Let's take a look!
1. Indoor heap storage
After the onions are harvested, wash the soil off the bulbs, then dry them in the sun until the outer skin gradually dries. Then cut off part of the false stem and leaves. Select high-quality onion bulbs, and remove those with disease spots, insect holes and other defects, to ensure the stored bulbs meet storage standards. Then put the onions into mesh stacks, and place the mesh stacks in a ventilated room, which should be kept dry. Pile them to a height of about 90 cm, and turn the pile about once every half a month. When the temperature gradually drops, you can stop turning the pile; if the temperature is too low, then you also need to cover them to prevent freezing.
2. Outdoor heap storage
For outdoor heap storage, we first need to choose a good storage plot. The plot should be dry, have normal drainage and irrigation, and be able to shelter from wind and light. Lay bamboo poles or wood on the ground, then spread a layer of grain straw or hay on the bamboo or wood. Then pile the onions to be stored on top, keeping the heap height at about 1.6 m, and do a good job of sun protection and rain protection. Because onion bulbs contain relatively much water, if the temperature and humidity are high, then you should turn the pile properly about once every 10 days, otherwise they are prone to heating up and rotting. Then turn the pile once every 2-3 weeks, and control the number and timing of turnings according to the climate and the heat and moisture conditions.
3. Hanging storage method
The hanging storage method is also a commonly used storage method for onions. Use thin string to thread the harvested and sun-dried onions into braid-like shapes. Then set up a horizontal rack indoors with bamboo or wood, and hang the onions directly on the horizontal rack. Hanging storage is good for ventilation during storage and is easy to inspect, and it can reduce rotting. This storage method is suitable for production areas with a small planting area and low yield. When hanging them for storage, be careful to control the temperature well; the lowest temperature should also stay above minus three degrees. If the temperature is too low, then you also need to do a good job of keeping them warm.
The above is a brief introduction to onion storage methods. In addition to the above storage methods, controlled atmosphere storage and cold storage are also major storage methods for onions. We should reasonably choose storage methods according to the planting region, yield and so on, to ensure planting benefits. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!