Learning how to braid onions is fun, easy and very functional! Braiding them allows for great airflow (reducing the risk of them rotting or getting moldy) and they are easy to hang for long-term storage. No need for storage bins!
I always feel like I’m tapping into the old frontier days when I’m sitting on the porch braiding away. Plus, they look so beautiful, don’t they?
The best part is that you don’t need much to braid onions. Just some kitchen twine, some scissors and a willing attitude – let’s do this!
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products (including Amazon). I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you! Regardless, I only link to products that I personally use on our homestead or believe in.
Braiding onions isn’t absolutely necessary for long-term storage, but it does have a lot of benefits over storing them in sacks or crates:
How to Braid Onions for Easy Storage
Onions are a staple in many kitchens Their versatility allows them to be used in everything from soups and stews to burgers and salads Onions can be purchased year-round, but for the best flavor and nutrition, it’s hard to beat homegrown onions.
If you grow your own onions, you know that part of the process is properly storing them so they last through the winter. One fun and effective storage method is braiding. Braiding allows for great airflow reducing the risk of rot and mold. The braids also make it easy to hang onions and access them as needed without having to dig through bins or bags.
Follow these simple steps for braiding your onions:
Choose the Right Onions
For long term storage, choose pungent, strong onion varieties instead of sweet onions which have a shorter shelf life. Make sure to harvest the onions when the green tops start to fall over and dry. The tops should be pliable but not completely brittle when braiding. Select your largest, most uniform onions for braiding.
Prepare the Onions
After harvest, allow the onions to cure or dry for 7-10 days in a cool, dry spot. This could be on screening or mesh in the garden or a shed or garage. Once cured but still pliable, they are ready for braiding.
Braiding
To start, lay two large onions crossed over a third onion and tie kitchen twine around the three onions to secure. Think of the three pieces of twine as your braiding strands.
Add another large onion to the middle then braid the three strands for about three crosses.
Next, add two medium onions, one to each side. Make sure their stalks line up with the existing side stalks.
Braid three times then add a medium onion to the center.
Continue alternating between one center onion and two side onions, always braiding three times between additions.
Work from largest to smallest onions as you braid up.
Finish with a center onion and braid the tops down to the ends. Tie off tightly. For hanging, loop the braid and tie it to itself.
Hang and Store
Hang braids in a cool, dry, dark location like a root cellar or garage. Use hooks to hang braids in your kitchen as needed. Cut onions off the braid as you use them. Stored properly, braided onions can last 6-12 months.
Tips for Braiding Onions
-
Onion braids will continue to dry. Adjust string tightness as needed.
-
Keep onion tops untangled as you braid.
-
Don’t overstuff braids or they may get too heavy.
-
Use 13 medium onions for a braid or adjust amount based on onion size.
-
Your first braids may be imperfect but keep trying!
-
Store braids away from apples and tomatoes which cause sprouting.
-
Braiding technique works for garlic too.
-
Hang in small kitchen batches and store the rest to prevent spoilage.
-
Check braids regularly and remove any bad onions immediately.
Braiding onions takes a bit of practice but soon you’ll be able to create beautiful braids to display in your home. The braids allow for excellent airflow and easy access all winter long. With the right harvest timing, curing, braiding method, and storage conditions, you’ll be rewarded with fresh onions straight from your garden through the next summer.
Preparing Onions for Braiding
Before you braid onions though, there are a few things you want to do first to be sure that your onions are ready for this step! You definitely don’t want to get this far and have them not store well.
Be patient! Onions are one of the slowest vegetables to grow. They are my first seeds to start in late winter (February) and I usually don’t harvest until late August or early September!
You can harvest onions anytime you want for fresh eating, but if you want them to store well you have to get the timing just right.
It’s time to harvest onions when the green tops kink and flop over. However, there are some slight differences depending on where you live:
- Hot climates: Harvest when ¼-⅓ of the tops fall over
- Cool, dry climates: Harvest when half the tops fall over
- Cool, humid climates: Almost all the tops fall over
Once you harvest your onions, the work isn’t done yet! It’s important to cure them properly so that they create a protective shell and store well in the months to come.
Onion curing is a matter of debate in the gardening world. Some people swear by curing in the sun, while others say it should only be done indoors with a fan. The curing timeframe is 1-2 weeks long, depending on your environment.
I personally like to cure in the sun, but I also live in Minnesota where the sun isn’t too intense. My favorite method is just to pile them all in a wagon – it’s easy, has good airflow, and I can wheel it indoors anytime it rains. Check out my method here!
*If you live in a hot climate, it probably is best to cure in a barn or porch (just make sure that there’s a fan present for good airflow!).
You know they are just right for braiding when the green stems have dried out about 50%, but they aren’t completely brown. If you wait too long, the stems will crumble and fall apart when braiding.
If you’re hoping for good storage onions, the variety matters. Some varieties store very well (6-12 months), while others should be consumed within a few weeks. My favorite is Sedona F1 – I’ve been growing it for years and it’s AMAZING!
|
The Homesteading RDs Product Picks |
|
|
I absolutely LOVE growing these onions and Ive been using them for years! They are hardy, easy to grown, and delicious. Plus, they store super well! Shop at High Mowing Seeds
|
|
Lastly, growing onions from seed will store a lot better than those from sets. It’s definitely worth the extra work to grow them from seed!
If all of this seems overwhelming, check out my course How to Plan a Garden: Step-By-Step where I guide you through all of these big decisions. I’d love to have you
Watch Me Braid Onions on Video!
It totally depends on the variety that you grew, how well you cured them, and your storage conditions (see above sections for details on this). If you do it all right, you can expect them to last 6-12 months.
|
The Homesteading RDs Product Picks |
|
|
I absolutely LOVE growing these onions and Ive been using them for years! They are hardy, easy to grown, and delicious. Plus, they store super well! Shop at High Mowing Seeds
|
|
How to Braid Onions for Long-Term Storage
0