Green Onions

As a consumer, it is easy to mindlessly purchase food items at the grocery store and jump right into cooking, without much thought on the process behind creating and transporting something as simple as a green onion. As many of us are adapting to and creating a more conscious lifestyle, it is helpful to become aware of and appreciate the journey that food makes until it arrives on our dinner plate. To understand the process of how a green onion is produced and travels to a dinner plate, this blog post will provide an overview of the journey, covering topics such as seed selection and germination, soil nutrients, harvesting techniques, and transporting methods.

Seed Selection and Germination

Green onions are grown from seeds, and it is important for farmers to carefully select the type of seed to use for planting. They most commonly select from traditional onion varieties, such as 'White Sweet Spanish' which features a sweet and mild flavor, or 'Yellow Pure White' which is larger and more pungent in flavor. Many farmers may also prefer to select certified organic onion seed varieties, which are guaranteed to be free from artificial chemicals or pesticides, as well as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Once the farmer selects the desired seed, it is time to germinate the seed. To begin the germination process, farmers will typically soak seeds in either water or peroxide solution overnight. This helps to soften the seed shell before being placed in the soil, which helps with the germination process. After soaking overnight, farmers will place the seeds in moist soil, typically in a greenhouse, in the early spring. The temperature of the greenhouse should remain at a minimum of 70 degrees F, and the soil should be kept consistently moist.

As the seed germinates, the shoots will poke through the soil within 10-14 days. Next, they will need to be hardened off before being placed in the field. This is done by gradually exposing the plants to outdoor temperatures over the span of two weeks, allowing them to be conditioned to transition from the greenhouse to the field.

Soil Nutrients

The amount and type of soil nutrient is essential for healthy onion plants. While the plant does require essential minerals for healthy growth, such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, it does not thrive in soils with high nitrogen levels, as the plant’s root may become damaged. Therefore, farmers must check the nitrogen levels in the soil before planting.

In addition to soil nitrogen levels, it is important to check the soil texture. Onions prefer medium soil texture, which allows roots to penetrate the soil easily, while also allowing adequate levels of moisture and air through the soil. It is also important to consider soil pH levels, as onions prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH reading of 6.5-6.8.

Harvesting Techniques

Onion plants are mature enough to be harvested when their tops reach 12-15 inches in length, typically 80-90 days after planting. To harvest green onions, farmers generally cut the tops at their base with a pair of scissors or a harvesting knife. They typically use space whips which helps loosen the onions from the soil, or small tines or drills which are pulled through the soil behind the onions.

The harvested onions are then loaded into crates, which usually consist of shallow boxes on wheels. The crates help to protect the onions from damage, and also make transportation much easier for the farmers. Some farms may also use a mechanical harvester or machine, which is able to dig, wash, and cut the onions in one motion.

Transporting the Onions

Once the onions are harvested, the next step is to transport them. This could consist of delivering the onions directly to a grocery store, or to food processing centers, where they can be prepared for supermarkets and restaurants. Depending on the location, the onions may be transported by either vehicle, boat, or plane.

In terms of vehicles, refrigerated trucks are most commonly used, as they are equipped with temperature controlled chambers to keep the onions at the perfect temperature throughout their journey. Boats are another method of transportation, where freshly picked onions are loaded into large containers and sent internationally. They may also be shipped domestically in smaller containers across rivers, lakes, and oceans. Lastly, the onions may be shipped via airplane, where the onions are packaged in waterproof insulation for protection, and are placed in cold storage until they reach their destination.

Conclusion

The journey that a green onion takes from the farm to our dinner plate is certainly one worth celebrating and appreciating. From seed selection and germination, to harvesting and transporting, there are countless steps and considerations along the way to ensure that we are receiving the highest quality product on our dinner plates. With this understanding and appreciation of the process, it is easy to feel connected to and connected to our food sources - and of course, to appreciate and be more mindful of the journey our food makes until it arrives on our dinner plate.