Spring onions, also known as scallions, green onions, or salad onions, are a versatile and widely used vegetable in various cuisines. They are part of the Allium family, along with garlic, leeks, and chives, and possess a mild onion flavor, making them perfect for incorporating into a multitude of dishes.
Originating from Central Asia, spring onions have been cultivated for thousands of years and have played a significant role in both culinary and medicinal practices. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all incorporated spring onions into their diets, attributing various health benefits to this flavorful vegetable.
Spring onions are utilized at different stages of growth. Baby spring onions, with their tender greens and extremely mild flavor, are a popular choice for salads and light dishes. As they mature, their flavor intensifies and the white bulbs enlarge, making them suitable for stir-fries, soups, and even grilling.
In addition to their flavor-enhancing qualities, spring onions offer numerous health benefits. They contain essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and calcium. Moreover, they are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, which supports digestion and overall gut health.
When it comes to pairing spring onions with other foods, the possibilities are endless. They can be thinly sliced and sprinkled over tacos, mixed into egg dishes such as omelets and quiches, or combined with other vegetables for a refreshing salad. Additionally, they play a key role in Asian cuisine, providing a fragrant garnish for dishes like noodle soups, stir-fries, and dumplings.
This is advice is most applicable to growers in the UK, you may need to adjust the timings if you live somewhere with a different climate and/or seasons.
| Month | Tasks | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| January | sow indoors, | Sow spring onion seeds indoors in trays or pots, keeping the compost moist and ensuring they receive enough light. |
| February | sow indoors, | Continue sowing spring onion seeds indoors, following the same advice as January for best results. |
| March | sow outdoors, | Start sowing spring onion seeds directly in well-prepared soil outdoors as the temperatures begin to rise. |
| April | thin seedlings, | Thin seedlings sown outdoors in March to promote healthy growth and avoid overcrowding. |
| May | harvest, | Begin harvesting spring onions when they are large enough to use. Regularly picking will encourage more growth. |
| June | harvest, | Continue harvesting spring onions throughout June for fresh and flavourful additions to salads and other dishes. |
| July | harvest, | Keep harvesting spring onions as needed to enjoy them at their freshest and most flavourful. |
| August | - | - |
| September | - | - |
| October | - | - |
| November | - | - |
| December | - | - |
