How to Braid Onions for Easy Long-Term Storage

Braiding onions is an old-fashioned technique that allows you to beautifully display your homegrown onions while also maximizing their storage life. The increased airflow from braiding prevents rot and mold, and makes it easy to hang onions in your pantry or root cellar. Learning how to properly braid onions takes some practice, but will soon become second nature. Follow this step-by-step guide to braiding onions for long-term storage.

Benefits of Braiding Onions

Braiding onions has several advantages over other storage methods like bins or bags

• Saves space since onions can be hung vs taking up shelf space

• Allows for excellent airflow circulation to prevent mold and rot

• Gives you quick access to onions – just snip one off when needed

• Visually appealing to display in the kitchen or pantry

• Lets you easily utilize awkward storage spaces by hanging

Overall, braiding onions helps your harvest keep longer compared to loose storage. The technique also taps into old homesteading traditions.

When to Harvest Onions for Braiding

Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting onions for optimal storage. Onions should be harvested once the green tops start to fall over and flop down. However, ideal timing varies by climate:

• Hot climates: Harvest when 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 of the tops have fallen

• Cool, dry climates: Harvest when half the tops are down

• Cool, humid climates: Harvest when nearly all tops are down

Pull onions on a sunny, dry day. Then, allow onions to [Frequency: 2] cure (dry out) for 1-2 weeks before braiding, so skins toughen up. Onion tops should be around 50% dried out when braided – not green but not totally brown and brittle yet.

How to Braid Onions for Storage

Follow these simple steps for braiding onions:

Gather Supplies

You’ll need:

• Onions – 13 medium onions works well

• Kitchen twine, cut into 5 foot lengths (3 pieces)

• Scissors

Prepare the Strings

• Tie 3 pieces of twine together at one end

• Arrange the 3 fattest onions with 2 crossing under the middle onion

• Tie the strings around the 3 onions

Start Braiding

• Complete 2 crosses over the center onion to anchor the braid

• Add another large onion to the middle

• Do 2 more crosses, add next 2 largest onions to the sides

• Alternate placing single onions in the middle and pairs of onions on the sides

• Keep braiding, using smaller onions toward the top

Finish the Braid

• Braid the stems together at the end

• Tie off tightly with a knot, create a loop if desired

Hang in Storage

• Find a cool (45-60°F), dark place to hang braids

• Snip off onions as needed for use

It may take a few tries to get the braiding technique down. Go slow and don’t worry about perfection. With practice, you’ll be braiding beautifully blemish-free braids in no time!

Tips for Braiding Onion Storage Success

Follow these tips for the best braided onion storage results:

• Choose pungent onion varieties best for long-term storage

• Allow onions to [Frequency: 3] cure completely before braiding

• Use onions with pliable, not brittle, dried tops for braiding

• Start with the largest onions at the braid base

• Work in order from largest to smallest onions

• Control moisture and humidity in storage area

• Check braids regularly and remove any bad onions immediately

• Consider braiding garlic, shallots or leeks too

Properly cured, braided onions stored in a root cellar or cool basement will often last over 6 months. Braiding onions helps extend shelf life significantly over loose onion storage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braiding Onions

How many onions do you need to braid?

13 medium onions makes a good full braid. You can do more or less though. Just don’t go over 15-20 onions or the braid may get too heavy.

What is the best storage temperature for braided onions?

Ideally store braided onions in a root cellar or basement around 45-60°F. Onion braids can also be hung in a garage or unheated porch to help extend storage life as long as possible.

How do you remove onions from a braid?

It’s easy! Just grab some kitchen shears or scissors and snip one onion off the braid whenever you need it.

How long do braided onions last in storage?

With the right onion variety, curing process, and storage conditions, braided onions can last 6-12 months in storage. Sweet or weak onion varieties won’t store as long.

Enjoy Your Braided Onion Bounty

Learning how to braid onions for long-term storage enables you to enjoy your homegrown onion harvest for months on end. The technique requires some trial and error, but you’ll quickly get the hang of crisscrossing and weaving onion after onion into a gorgeous braided masterpiece. Display your edible art proudly and snack on freshly snipped onions all season long!