The potential for frigid winter weather in panhandle Florida has changed the gardening landscape. Only the hardiest vegetables will survive a “polar express”, and most of these are leaf crops.
One resilient vegetable which is not strictly a leaf crop planted in the autumn for winter or spring harvest is the onion. If raised for the bulb, the onion is approximately a 180-day crop which is harvested in the late spring.
Onions are a common cool season root vegetable which grows well in local sandy soils. This native of central Asia handles north Florida’s winters with scarcely a challenge to its hardy heritage.
Anthropologists and archeologists estimate the onion has been cultivated for between 5,000 to 7,000 years. Its residue has been documented at bronze-age settlements.
Onions come in several colors (red, yellow, or white) and tastes which range from strong to very mild.
The easy portability and long shelf-life of onions have made them a staple across the annals of many cultures throughout history. Their long ago uses extended far beyond being a mere culinary option.
The ancient Egyptians believed onions were a divinely inspired artifact symbolizing eternal life. Pharaohs’ tombs were supplied with a stock for the afterlife. Athletes in Greece and Rome used onions as a means of improving their competitiveness.
Medicinal attributes have long been attributed to onions. Baldness cures, headache relief, snakebite remedies and much more have included onions as part of the concoction.
While it is true that 21st century onions are found in the garden and pantry, not the pharmacy, there is research indicating some of the compounds they contain have a very positive effect on humans.
Onions are used in a variety of contemporary dishes. The bulb and the greens are both used, and they may be served cooked or uncooked.
Green onions have a short life for peak quality. They need to be refrigerated in a plastic bag for use as soon as possible.
Bulb onions can be stored at room temperature in the legs of clean, sheer pantyhose or laid out on a counter with space between for adequate air circulation. If stored in the hose, tie a knot between each and cut above the knot when ready to use.
Onions can be preserved in a number of ways. Bulb onions can be frozen either whole or chopped, but they will not be crisp when defrosted. Onion rings can be prepared and frozen quickly on a tray before packaging.
Onions with a 1-inch diameter or less can be canned. They are considered a low-acid vegetable, so preserving under pressure is necessary. Onions are also considered very suitable for dehydrating.
In suburban settings onions can be interspersed in small spaces between ornamental shrubs or planted in containers. Depending on usage, a few bulbs can effectively stretch the food budget.
While onions may not cure baldness, they are easy to grow, do not take up much space and improve culinary options. Minimal effort can produce useful additions to home recipes.
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