For us, the start of the early onion harvest marks the “beginning of the season”. This stage usually gets under way in early summer and is the result of months of work and dedication in the fields. Early onions are the first to be harvested because they are planted earlier, and harvesting them takes a combination of know-how, skill and attention to detail.
Preparing and Caring for the Crop
Early onions are usually sown in September, when the seeds are planted in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. As farmers, we keep a close eye on how the plants develop, making sure they get enough water, are protected from pests and diseases, and reach the quality we’re looking for. Applying organic fertilisers and rotating crops are common practices to keep the soil healthy and encourage optimal growth.
Harvest time has arrived
Determinar el momento exacto para comenzar la recolección es un arte en sí mismo. Las cebollas tempranas están listas para ser cosechadas cuando sus hojas comienzan a caerse naturalmente. En este punto, los bulbos han alcanzado su tamaño máximo y su piel se ha vuelto lo suficientemente resistente como para ser almacenada y transportada sin dañarse.
Harvesting early onions is a painstaking process that requires care and precision. Farmers often use hand tools, such as forks, to loosen the soil around the onions before gently lifting them out. Once lifted, the onions are left to dry in the sun for several days. This drying process, known as curing, is essential for extending the onions’ shelf life, as it allows the outer layers to dry and harden, protecting the bulb inside.
Our early onions: simply delicious
Las cebollas tempranas son altamente valoradas tanto por su sabor como por su versatilidad culinaria. Su sabor las hace ideales para consumir frescas en ensaladas, salsas y otros platos donde el sabor crudo de la cebolla puede destacarse sin ser abrumador. Además, son una excelente fuente de vitaminas y minerales, lo que las convierte en un componente nutritivo en una dieta equilibrada.
