From page 34
storing. Store in boxes or
mesh bags in a cool place
with moderate humidity.
Ventilation of onions in
storage is absolutely vital as
they give off
copious
amounts of
carbon dioxide
which, if not
removed,
hastens their
deterioration.
The length of
time you can
store onions
will depend
on variety and
site conditions. Some
bulbs can be
stored for
several
months.
K Garlic can
be harvested
when 30%50% of the
leaves have
Garlic (and onions) can be stored in hanging net bags. died back.
well-ventilated place for a
week. Trim back tops, and
then cure for more two
weeks. Trim again before
QUIRKY
IN THE KITCHEN
Drying your garlic before
storing allows the flavour to
develop and become more
concentrated. Brush off the
garlic bulbs and allow it to dry
in a dark, but moisture-free,
place for about a week. Many
people make the mistake of
storing garlic in the refrigerator, but garlic actually does
best at a cool room temperao
ture of around 16 C. Storing
your garlic bulbs in a wellventilated spot allows the
garlic to "breathe" and will
extend its shelf-life. Garlic
bulbs can be kept in a mesh
or wire basket, a small bowl
with ventilation holes or a
paper bag.
You can also keep the bulbs in
old pantyhose, tying a knot
after each one so that you can
cut one off as needed. Do not
store fresh garlic bulbs in
plastic bags or sealed
containers. This can cause
mould and sprouting. Store in
a dark, dry spot. Garlic stored
under suitable conditions will
Pumpkins ready for use in winter.
last for six to seven months
depending on the strain of
garlic.
K Potatoes are harvested
once the foliage has died
back, although you can leave
them in the soil for a couple
of weeks before pulling them
up, as this toughens up the
Continued on page 36