Why do onions need curing before storage?

Curing onions allows you to store those beautifully fresh garden bulbs safely. This is the necessary process that forms viable barriers to spoilage. I really learned how effective this was when I had a batch of uncured bulbs that had rotted in a couple of weeks. Adequate curing also facilitates the formation of papery skins and forms necks that contain flavor and prevent rot.

Curing in ideal conditions requires careful balance. 75-80°F (24-27°C) with 60-70% humidity and constant air flow. I use fans in my barn loft. Too humid will mold, and too dry will dry them out and stop sugar conversion too early.

Stay clear of typical curing mistakes, like trimming tops too early. A-1 foliage enables transferring moisture gradually. Never cure in bright sunlight, which will scald the bulbs. I lost a round of bulbs before I learned to heal them in only shaded, well-ventilated areas.

You can easily assess curing completion with simple tests. The necks will feel extremely thin, even papery, and tight. The bulbs will rattle slightly if shaken. I rub the skins with a gentle motion, confirming that there are no loose outer layers. Properly cured onions store beautifully, lasting for months.

Being skilled with curing onions brings serious garden-to-table pleasure. Soups and stews are layered with flavor from bulbs that you have cured. That sweet homegrown quality makes every meal an extraordinary dining experience!

Read the full article: When to Harvest Onions: Complete Guide