Welcome to the zesty world of onions, where the humble bulb transforms into a culinary superstar! At Onion Doctor, we’re passionate about onion farming in Kenya, and we’re here to spill the beans (or bulbs!) on how to cure onions like a pro. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer in Kajiado or a newbie in Nyeri, curing onions is the secret sauce to unlocking their long-lasting flavor and shelf life. Onion farming in Kenya is thriving, and with our expert tips, you’ll ensure your harvest stays fresh and fabulous. From the vibrant fields of Meru to the sunny slopes of Narok, onion farming in Kenya demands top-notch curing techniques to keep those bulbs market-ready. Ready to dive into the art of curing onions? Let’s make onion farming in Kenya even more rewarding with this fun, step-by-step guide that’ll have you curing like a champ in no time! Onion farming in Kenya is a lucrative venture, and mastering this process will boost your profits. So, grab your onions, and let’s get curing—because onion farming in Kenya deserves nothing less than the best!
CURING IN ONIONS
Curing onions toughens their outer layers, extends their storage life, and amps up their flavor. Without curing, your onions might sprout, rot, or lose their zing faster than you can say “kachumbari.” In onion farming in Kenya, where bulb onions dominate the market, proper curing can mean the difference between a bumper profit and post-harvest losses. Cured onions can last up to 6 months, making them a hot commodity in local markets from Nairobi to Mombasa. Plus, it’s a fun process that turns your harvest into golden, papery-skinned treasures!
BENEFITS OF CURING ONIONS:
- Enhances Shelf Life: Curing dries out the outer layers and neck, sealing the bulb. Reduces moisture content, minimizing the risk of rot. Properly cured onions can last for 3 to 6 months or more in storage.
- Prevents Diseases: Kills or suppresses pathogens like fungi and bacteria on the outer layers. Prevents common storage diseases like neck rot, soft rot, and fusarium.
- Improve Market Quality: Cured onions have dry, papery skins that look clean and shiny. Makes onions more appealing to buyers in both local and export markets.
- Adds Economic Value: Reduces post-harvest losses (which can be up to 40% if uncured).Well-cured onions fetch a higher market price due to better appearance and quality.
- Eases Handling and Transport: Dried necks and skins prevent bruising and damage. Reduces sap leakage and foul smell during bulk transportation.
STEP TO STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO CURE ONIONS
STEP 1: HARVEST AT THE RIGHT TIME:
Timing is everything in onion farming in Kenya! Harvest bulb onions when their tops turn yellow and start to fall over—usually 3 to 4 months after planting. For spring onions, pull them when they hit 15 cm tall and 1.5 cm thick. Gently lift the bulbs with a fork or spade to avoid bruising. Pro tip: Harvest during the dry season to prevent rot, as advised by Onion Doctor.
Fun Fact: Did you know onions “tell” you they’re ready by flopping over like they’re taking a nap? It’s nature’s way of saying, “Pick me!”
STEP 2: TRIM AND TIDY(OPTIONAL):
For bulb onions, you can leave the tops and roots on during curing to protect the bulb. If you’re in a rush, trim the roots but keep the foliage intact—it acts like a natural shield. Spring onions for immediate sale? Trim the leaves to a neat length. In onion farming in Kenya, tidy onions fetch better prices, so a little grooming goes a long way.
STEP 3: DRY IN THE FIELD:
Kenya’s warm, dry climate is a curing superstar! Spread your onions in a single layer on the field for 1-2 weeks, letting the sun work its magic. Turn them every few days to ensure even drying. The outer skins will turn papery, and the necks (where the tops meet the bulb) will tighten. If rain threatens, move them under a shed with good ventilation. Onion Doctor recommends raised racks to keep onions off damp soil.
Pro Tip: In regions like Narok, where onion farming in Kenya thrives, use shade nets to protect onions from intense midday sun while still allowing airflow.
STEP 4:INDOOR CURING:
After field drying, move your onions to a cool, dry, well-ventilated space—like a shed, garage, or onion bin. Hang them in mesh bags, braid the tops for a rustic vibe, or lay them on racks. Cure for another 2-4 weeks until the skins are fully papery and the necks are dry. In onion farming in Kenya, proper indoor curing prevents rot, especially during humid spells.
5.CHECK AND STORE:
Your onions are cured when the outer skins rustle like autumn leaves and the necks are dry as a bone. Trim the tops to 2-3 cm and store in mesh bags or crates in a cool (7-13°C), dark, dry place with good airflow. Avoid piling them too deep to prevent bruising.
Onion Doctor’s tip: Check weekly for soft or sprouting onions to keep your stash fresh.
CURING CHALLENGES AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
- Rainy Days: Wet weather can spoil your curing party. Use drip irrigation during growth to avoid fungal issues, and move onions indoors at the first sign of rain.
- Pests and Diseases: Downy mildew or thrips can strike during curing. Apply fungicides and pesticides from certified brands, as recommended by Onion Doctor.
- Uneven Drying: Rotate onions regularly and ensure good airflow. In onion farming in Kenya, uneven curing can lead to rot, so stay vigilant.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID IN CURING
- Piling onions — causes sweating and rot.
- Leaving in wet soil — encourages diseases like neck rot.
- Harvesting too early — immature bulbs won’t store well.
Onion Doctor Limited: advises Kenyan farmers to tailor these strategies to local conditions and consult our experts for customized plans, including soil testing and pest identification and management services. Contact us for: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Germinated garlic cloves, Farm planning services, Soil testing, training on onion and garlic growing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. You can also check out our social media handles for daily updates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oniondoctorke?_t=ZM-8wmsTu0qumO&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oniondoctorke?igsh=MTVoaHF3aWUydTJzaQ==Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/16SwgYn2dG/ Youtube:https://youtube.com/@oniondoctorke?si=u5Jnd-r0qU9UDYqL and Twitter: https://x.com/OnionDoctorKe?t=FR3JXlS_oN1vjjUgAtfyzg&s=09