The best ways to store leeks for the winter at home
People often wonder how to store leeks. In order for the product to remain fresh as long as possible, a number of conditions must be met. To do this, it is necessary to correctly select the temperature, humidity and lighting parameters. The choice of storage mode is also important. Onions can be put in the cellar or in the refrigerator. It is also allowed to freeze it, pickle it or salt it.
Basic storage rules
Under certain conditions, leeks can be stored for a long time. In order to eat fresh onions longer, it is worth following some recommendations. Onions perfectly tolerate a temperature drop to -7 degrees. However, experienced gardeners are advised to harvest before the onset of cold weather.
First, it must be dug up and shaken off the ground. It is important to ensure that the earth does not fall into the leaves. It is recommended to dry the vegetable and cut the roots. In this case, the bottom should not be damaged. It is recommended to leave a third of the spine.In this form, the shelf life can be extended.
Leek leaves should not be cut. This will cause rapid wilting of the product and the development of various diseases. Dry the buds to prepare the product for storage. For later conservation, only the most resistant specimens are taken. They must have a flat surface.
It is recommended to keep only one type of onion in the container. When fresh, the product retains its freshness perfectly in the sand. To do this, it is recommended to pour a layer of sand 5-7 centimeters on the bottom, and then place the onion vertically. Sprinkle the distance between the bulbs with damp sand. This method will keep the onions fresh for six months.
You can also use plastic bags for added security. To keep the product in the basement, you need a box of disinfected sand.
If there is no cellar, onions can be stored at home - in the closet or on the balcony.
Leeks also keep well in the refrigerator. It is recommended to pre-wash it, cut off excess roots and leaves. When the product dries well, it should be wrapped in a bag and placed in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. It is also allowed to chop washed and dried onions, put them in bags and put them in the freezer.
Optimal storage conditions
To store onions for a long time, it is worth choosing the right temperature and humidity parameters.
Temperature
It is recommended to store the product in the basement at a temperature of 0 ... + 4 degrees. On the balcony, it is able to withstand temperatures as low as -7 degrees. In the refrigerator, the temperature should be +5 degrees.
Humidity
Humidity parameters should not exceed 80-85%. If these recommendations are not followed, the onion will begin to rot and rot.
Lighting
Leeks are best stored in a cool, dark place. It is advisable not to expose the product to direct sunlight.
Home Storage Methods
There are several methods for storing onions at home. This allows everyone to choose the best option.
Cellar
When storing onions in the cellar, it is worth using sandboxes. It is recommended to preheat the material to eliminate harmful bacteria. In the cellar, the leek should be stored at a temperature not exceeding +4 degrees. Humidity settings should be 85%.
First, clean sand is poured into a wooden box, after which the onion is inserted vertically and sprinkled with sand with a layer of at least 20 centimeters. This covers all the white part. It is recommended to moisten the sand.
Fridge
To keep a small amount of leeks in your apartment, you need to use the vegetable drawer. To do this, you must do the following:
- choose the highest quality specimens;
- remove the tops of the leaves, cut the roots and rinse under running water;
- dry on the table and wrap several stems in bags or wrap in plastic;
- put in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.
The shelf life of onions prepared in this way is 1 month.
Balcony
This option is used in regions with a mild climate. Leek is able to withstand frosts not exceeding -7 degrees. Onions are stored on the balcony for six months. For this, the bulbs need to be folded in one layer. With a large harvest, 2-3 layers can be made. From above, vegetables are covered with insulating material. It should let the air through.
It is recommended to check the onion periodically. If it begins to deteriorate or dry out, the plant will need to be removed. This will keep the rest of the vegetables safe.
Stripping
This product has an interesting taste. To prepare the white, you will need a white part of the stalk. It must be cut and immersed in salted boiling water for a few minutes.
Then fold tightly into jars and pour over the marinade. To do this, you need to take 1 liter of water, 50 grams of salt, 100 grams of sugar and 100 milliliters of vinegar. Boil the marinade for 2 minutes. Turn the boxes and wrap them for 10-12 hours.
Drying
To do this, it is recommended to cut the vegetable and put it on a baking sheet. Put in a preheated oven at 50 degrees. This temperature regime will help preserve all the valuable elements. If you want to speed up the process, the onions can be dried at a temperature of 160 degrees. This will take a maximum of 20 minutes.
Frozen
The easiest and most affordable method of preserving leek is freezing. To do this, you need to cut the leaves and stems into pieces, put them in bags and tie them tightly. Arrange the greenery in a layer of 5 cm maximum. For convenience, you can use plastic containers.
It is recommended to put the blanks in the freezer. In this form, onions can be stored all winter. The temperature regime should be from -18 to -5 degrees.
It should be borne in mind that refreezing the product is strictly prohibited.
Salting
For salting, in addition to leek, you need to take salt, pepper, bay leaf and other spices.It is recommended to wash the onion leaves, put them in a deep container and fill them with brine.
To do this, take 3 large tablespoons of salt per 1 liter of water. It is worth adding pepper, bay leaf and spices to the composition. Leave to rest for 5-7 days under oppression and put in jars. Store the part in a cool place.
Varieties recommended for long-term storage
Some varieties of leeks can be used for long-term storage of the product.
Goliath
The white part of this plant grows up to 25-30 centimeters. It takes 130-150 days to ripen the fruit. The plant needs regular hilling. It must be treated against diseases and parasites.
Kilima
It is a popular Dutch variety. Its white part reaches 10-12 centimeters. The crop can be harvested 160 days after planting. The variety is considered unpretentious.
Columbus
This variety was developed by Dutch scientists. The white part of the onion reaches 20 centimeters. The crop ripens in 85-90 days. The culture does not need hilling.
Tango
The size of the white part of this bow is 15 centimeters. The vegetable ripens in 115-125 days. It is planted in open ground in May. The plant must be hilled and fed.
Casimir
This is a German culture, the white part of which reaches 25-30 centimeters. It takes 180 days to reach maturity. It is recommended to water the plant abundantly and snuggle 2-3 times during the season.
Bastion
The culture reaches 30-35 centimeters and matures in 150-160 days. It is recommended to grow it in seed. During the season, it is necessary to spread the bushes 2-3 times.
Quarantine
This plant reaches 15-25 centimeters.From the moment of planting to harvest, 125-200 days pass. Culture is needed to huddle.
Mercury
The plant grows up to 20-25 centimeters. It takes 200 days. It is quite a demanding crop to care for.
Bulgarian
The white part of this plant reaches 45 centimeters. This happens in 130-140 days. The crop should be grown in seedlings.
autumn giant
This is a Dutch variety, the white part of which reaches 30-40 centimeters. The crop can be harvested after 200 days. Culture is demanding to care for.
the elephant
This Czech variety grows up to 20 centimeters. From the moment of planting to harvest, 140-160 days pass. The plant needs abundant watering and is frost resistant.
Common Mistakes
Many people make common mistakes when storing onions:
- store onions of different varieties in one container;
- store the leek in a sealed package without access to air;
- do not pick vegetables during the storage period.
Additional tips and tricks
To save leeks for the winter, you need to follow these rules:
- cut the bottom;
- get rid of yellow and spoiled leaves;
- make holes in the package;
- do not use spoiled or wilted onions for storage.
Preserving leeks has several characteristics. In order for the product to stay fresh as long as possible, it must be supplied under appropriate conditions.