What is a Boiler Onion?
A boiler onion is a type of dry onion that falls into the intermediate-day category. These onions are typically available in white, red, and gold varieties and are almost two inches in diameter. Boiler onions are known for their sweet, pungent flavor and their ability to hold their shape well during cooking. This makes them a popular choice for use in a variety of dishes, including casseroles, stews, and as a side dish.
Characteristics of Boiler Onions:
- Size: Boiler onions are typically around two inches in diameter.
- Color: They are available in white, red, and gold varieties.
- Flavor: Boiler onions have a sweet, pungent flavor.
- Texture: They are firm and hold their shape well during cooking.
- Seasonality: Boiler onions are available year-round.
- Origin: Boiler onions are typically grown in the United States.
Uses of Boiler Onions:
- Casseroles: Boiler onions are a great addition to casseroles, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Stews: Boiler onions can be used to add flavor and texture to stews.
- Side dish: Boiler onions can be roasted, grilled, or sautéed and served as a side dish.
- Pickling: Boiler onions are a popular choice for pickling.
- Shish-kabobs: Boiler onions can be grilled with assorted meats and vegetables on shish-kabobs.
Selection and Storage:
- Selection: When selecting boiler onions, choose onions that are firm, heavy for their size, and have dry, papery skins. Avoid any onions that show signs of moisture, green shoots, or dark spots.
- Storage: Store whole boiler onions in a cool, dry place with good air circulation for up to two months.
Tips:
- Specify color: When ordering boiler onions, be sure to specify which color or colors you would like. If you do not specify, you will receive one package of each color.
- Substitute: If you do not have boiler onions on hand, you can substitute them with other types of dry onions, such as yellow or brown onions.
- Cooking: Boiler onions can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, grilling, sautéing, and pickling.
Boiler onions are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Their sweet, pungent flavor and ability to hold their shape during cooking make them a popular choice for many cooks. Whether you are using them in a casserole, stew, or as a side dish, boiler onions are sure to add flavor and depth to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between a boiler onion and a yellow onion?
Boiler onions are a type of dry onion, while yellow onions are a type of sweet onion. Boiler onions have a stronger, more pungent flavor than yellow onions.
Can I substitute boiler onions for yellow onions?
Yes, you can substitute boiler onions for yellow onions in most recipes. However, keep in mind that boiler onions have a stronger flavor, so you may want to use a smaller amount.
How do I store boiler onions?
Store whole boiler onions in a cool, dry place with good air circulation for up to two months.
Where can I buy boiler onions?
Boiler onions are available at most grocery stores and farmers markets. You can also purchase them online from specialty retailers.
What are some recipes that use boiler onions?
Boiler onions can be used in a variety of dishes, including casseroles, stews, side dishes, and pickling. Some popular recipes that use boiler onions include:
- French Onion Soup
- Beef Stew
- Roasted Vegetables
- Pickled Onions
- Onion Rings
Additional Resources:
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Melissa’s Boiler Onions are classified as dry onions and come in three colors: white, red, and gold. Their diameter is nearly two inches. They impart a sweet, pungent flavor. Boiler onions can be served as a side dish or added to stews and casseroles. They are delicious grilled on shish kabobs with a variety of meats and veggies. They are also favored for use in pickling. Melissa’s Boiler Onions should have papery, dry skins and be firm and heavy for their size. When choosing dry onions, stay away from any wetness, green sprouts, or dark areas. Keep in mind that humidity breeds spoilage in dry onions. Whole dry onions can be kept for up to two months in a cool, dry place with good ventilation (depending on condition when purchased). In the Special Messages/Instructions section of your order, please indicate which color or colors you would like to order. Unless specified, you will receive one package of each color.
SOILS and SOIL TEMPERATURE
48 to 90 F is the ideal temperature range for germination. Plantings take place in western and central Oregon in March and April, while eastern Oregon and the Columbia Basin plant in late February to early April.
Onions are grown on peat soils, silt loams, and sandy loams in western Oregon. Soils need to be friable for pearl or cocktail onions in order to facilitate the quick mechanical separation of the onions from the soil during harvest. Loamy sands or similar sandy soils are best.
Onion seed numbers approximately 9,500 per ounce. All of these onions are sown directly at high seeding rates using specially made planters that enable even distribution of the seed and close row spacing. Usually, groups of planters installed on several tool bars are used for this.
Since the onion stem plate, or base of the bulb, forms at the point where the seed germinates, the depth of seeding has an impact on the shape of the bulb. Planting bulbs too shallowly produces flatter bulbs, while planting bulbs deeply produces taller, occasionally top-shaped bulbs.
Onion shape is also influenced by plant density, with higher densities generally producing taller onions. Use varieties that are typically flat-round in the southern United States when round onions are desired at the high densities used for pearl onions. S. production regions where fresh market bulb onions are typically grown
All these onions are spring seeded. As soon as the land is prepared, onions can be sown, though April is thought to be the best month. In Eastern Oregon, seeding should be finished by May 1, and in Western Oregon, by May 5.
The amount of seed used for pearl onions varies based on the desired size distribution, ranging from 80 to 110 pounds per acre. Higher percentages of “boiler” size onions are produced by the lower densities. A Planet Jr. Seeder plates 23 through 26 combined will broadcast between 80 and 110 pounds of seed per acre at a planting speed of roughly 3 miles per hour. In order to achieve complete broadcast plantings, groups of planters are positioned sporadically on multiple tool bars, and 4-inch scatter shoes are utilized to fill the required bed width.
Onions for sets are seeded at about 55-75 lb/acre. Spread the seed widely so that the plants are about half an inch apart. For optimal yields and size distribution, seeds must be distributed uniformly. Growers in western Oregon use specially designed planting units that measure six rows at a time when planting in rows. These are arranged in a 40-inch bed so that 18 rows can be planted. These planters employ metering devices, similar to those that are used to dispense granular substances. These have flexible tubes attached to them, which direct the seed to disperse across the shoes planted on Planter Jr. or similar seeder frames.
For boiler onions, a seeding rate of 20 to 30 pounds per acre is utilized when planting. Seeds are 3/4 to 1 inch apart. They can be sown similarly to how set or pearl onions are described above.
For the most current advice, see Nutrient Management for Sustainable Vegetable Cropping Systems in Western Oregon, available as a free download from the OSU Extension Catalog
The most reliable method of determining fertilizer needs is a soil test.
To achieve the best possible fertilizer responses, good management practices are necessary. Using suggested varieties, choosing suitable soils, controlling weeds, diseases, and insects, properly preparing seed beds, using the right seeding techniques, and harvesting crops on schedule are some of these practices.
The impact of various cultural practices, climatic factors, and soil types can make it difficult to predict how fertilizer will affect a crop in advance. The results of soil tests, practical experience in the field, and understanding of the needs of particular crops aid in determining the amount and rate of nutrients required. When applying fertilizer to onions, make sure all the nutrients are present in sufficient amounts. Optimum fertilization is essential for top quality and yields.
Nitrogen (N):
Before planting, N rates of 80–100 lb/A should be dispersed and worked into the seedbed using fertilizers like ammonium sulfate, 16–20-0, or a mixed fertilizer that contains sulfur sulfate. Use caution when applying sulfur to onions if you want them to have a mild flavor. Studies have shown that applying sulfur to onions can make them more pungent (see the sections on “sulfur” below).
During the growing season, more N may be applied if needed. Small onions do not require high rates of N.
Adding extra nitrogen to the crop during the growing season can be accomplished with sidedressed nitrogen applications or by putting N in irrigation water. DO NOT use aqua or anhydrous ammonia in sprinkler irrigation.
Onion stands can be significantly decreased by shallowly incorporating high rates of topdressed or broadcast fertilizer N.
Onions are shallow-rooted, and require a constant supply of moisture. For root formation, it’s critical to keep moisture at the onion stemplate, close to the surface. Onion roots can only grow at the stemplate in the presence of moisture. In order to reduce pink root issues, maintain overall root health, and consequently boost bulb growth vigor, proper moisture management is essential.
Overwatering results in N moving out of the root system and decreasing the amount of N available to the plants. The type of soil determines how often water needs to be applied, but not how much water is needed overall. Lighter soils require fewer water applications spaced out over a greater number of applications.