What are the storage methods for onions? Store them this way for longer
Onion is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Liliaceae family. The main edible part is the bulb, which is fleshy and sweet with rich nutritional value. In China, it is a major vegetable crop, and its planting area is also relatively large. After onions mature and are harvested, if they cannot be brought to market in time, then proper storage is needed. So how should onions be stored? Below, the editor has brought you the storage methods for onions. Let's take a look!
1. Indoor pile storage
After the onions are harvested, wash the soil off the bulbs, then dry them in the sun until the outer skin of the onions gradually dries. Then cut off part of the false stem and leaves. Select high-quality onion bulbs, 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 indoor area, which must 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, turning can be stopped; if the temperature is too low, then cover them properly to prevent freezing.
2. Outdoor pile storage
If it is outdoor pile storage, then we must first choose the storage plot well. The plot should be dry, with normal drainage and irrigation, and able to shelter from wind and light. Place bamboo poles or wood on the ground as a base, then spread a layer of grain straw or grass on the bamboo and wood. Then pile the onions to be stored on top, keeping the pile 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 turn the pile properly about once every 10 days, otherwise they are prone to heating up and rotting. Then turn once every 2-3 weeks, and control the number and timing of turnings according to the climate, heat and humidity conditions.
3. Hanging storage method
The hanging storage method is also a commonly used storage method for onions. Use thin rope to string up the onions after harvest and drying and braid them into a braid-like shape. Then build a horizontal rack indoors with bamboo and wood, and hang the onions directly on the horizontal rack. Hanging storage is good for ventilation during storage, and is convenient for inspection, and can reduce rotting. This storage method is suitable for production areas with a small planting area and low yield. When hanging for storage, pay attention to controlling the temperature well; the lowest temperature should also stay above minus three degrees. If the temperature is too low, then insulation work should also be done well.
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, etc., to ensure planting benefits. That's all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!