Harvesting Egyptian Walking Onions

Harvesting Egyptian onions—also known as walking onions or topset onions—is unique because they grow little bulb clusters (called topsets) at the top of their stalks instead of flowers. Here’s how to harvest them at various stages:

🧅 1. Harvesting the Topsets (Late Summer to Fall)

These are the small bulbils at the top of the stalks and can be used to plant new onions or eaten like pearl onions.

Steps:

  1. Wait until the topsets are brownish and start to dry or fall over naturally.
  2. Snip off the topsets using scissors or garden shears.
  3. Store in a cool, dry place for replanting or cooking.
    • Tip: Cure them for a week in a shady, well-ventilated place.

🧅 2. Harvesting the Green Stalks (Spring to Early Summer)

The hollow stalks are edible like green onions or chives.

Steps:

  1. Use sharp scissors to snip green stalks as needed.
  2. Take only a few stalks from each plant to avoid stressing the bulb.

🧅 3. Harvesting the Underground Bulbs (Fall or Early Spring)

Underground bulbs are similar to regular onions but usually smaller.

Steps:

  1. Dig around the base gently with a hand trowel or garden fork.
  2. Lift the whole plant.
  3. Separate the underground bulbs and topsets.
  4. Replant a few bulbs or topsets to keep the cycle going.

📝 Tips for Success:

  • Replant some topsets every year—these onions “walk” by planting themselves.
  • Mulch over winter if you live in a cold climate.
  • They’re perennial and will come back year after year with minimal care.

Freezing the green stalks of Egyptian onions (walking onions) is a great way to preserve their flavor for later use. Here’s how to do it properly:

🧊 How to Freeze Egyptian Onion Green Stalks

✅ Step-by-Step:

  1. Harvest the Stalks
    • Choose fresh, tender green stalks.
    • Snip them near the base, leaving some to continue growing.
  2. Wash and Dry
    • Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt or bugs.
    • Pat dry with a clean towel or let air dry.
  3. Chop (Optional but Recommended)
    • Slice into small pieces (like chives or green onions) for easy use later.
  4. Flash Freeze (Optional but helps prevent clumping)
    • Spread the chopped stalks on a baking sheet in a single layer.
    • Freeze for 1–2 hours until firm.
  5. Transfer to Freezer Containers
    • Place the frozen pieces in airtight zip-top freezer bags or containers.
    • Label with date and contents.
  6. Store in Freezer
    • Use within 6–8 months for best flavor.
    • No need to thaw before using—just scoop and cook directly.

🥣 How to Use Frozen Stalks:

  • Add directly to:
    • Soups
    • Stews
    • Scrambled eggs
    • Stir-fries
    • Baked potatoes
    • Casseroles

Frozen stalks may lose some crispness but retain their onion flavor beautifully.

Yes, you can eat Egyptian onion stalks uncooked—they are perfectly edible and safe to eat raw.

🧅 Egyptian Onion Stalks (Green Tops) – Raw Use:

✅ What They Taste Like:

  • Mild onion flavor, sharper than chives but not as intense as a regular onion.
  • Crunchy and fresh, especially in early spring.

🥗 Ways to Eat Them Raw:

  • Chopped into salads
  • Mixed into potato or egg salad
  • Used as a garnish for soups, dips, or deviled eggs
  • On sandwiches or burgers like green onions
  • In herb butters or cream cheese spreads

🌿 Tips:

  • Harvest young, tender stalks for the best flavor.
  • Older stalks may become tough or fibrous—better cooked or frozen.
  • Rinse well before eating raw.

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