Does anyone know a link to a site, or have instructions on how to do it? I know that they have to be absolutely dried, which I shall do, but from there I have no idea!
Can't help you with the plaiting EJ. Can only assume it's the same as plaiting hair, starting with three and then adding them as you go.
However, googles for onion storage and discovered that tights are one of best ways to store onions. Put one in and then make a knot and continue until you run out of leg I guess! Then store in cool place! Not as attractive as plaits tho! ;D
You could ask thegarlicfarm? Tell them that it's their garlic.
Don't dry till the stems are brittle. I did. = Tim
I plaited my garlic like rope -or hair I suppose (but you haven't seen my hair -think a poorly coiffured(?) Phil Lynott).
As Muddy said I started with 3 and worked the others in.
I still have some left from last year, garlic chicken perhaps -or one of Gavin's pickles? Should guarantee me a seat on the train :)
I have picked my best looking garlic heads - say about 20 or so, to make up a plait for the kitchen. Then get a good length of coarse string, and thread this in as the heads are plaitted, using the agreed method above. After the plait is finished, trim off the straggly ends with scissors, and tie the end of the string into a small loop for hanging from the ceiling.
The alternative is to just put a nail high up and press the finished plait onto the nail, but I think the string looks slightly better.
Then sit back smug as everyone admires your homegrown handywork!
The remaining heads all get used, either for next years crops, into pickles etc of for use as normal heads.
One point I have noticed is that homegrown garlic does not seem to dry out as much as commercial garlic.
Good luck
Hi there - the one I use (only cos it's got pictures my little brain could follow) is the one on http://www.hdra.org.uk/factsheets/gg16.htm (http://www.hdra.org.uk/factsheets/gg16.htm).
All best - Gavin
Too much for me - I just grab a handful & hang them by the neck. Onions I just tie in 3s to a 6' rope which hangs from the kitchen ceiling. One of several! Plaiting's pretty but rope's realistic! = Tim
good pics Gavin. Having only ever sported short hair, I have very little experience of plaiting but think now I have the gist of it. Thanks all ;D
Without - as usual! - trying to be difficult - surely roping onions, as shown, is different to plaiting garlic, where the stems are plaited, as mentioned, like hair. One over the other over the other?? Tim
You're right Tim, 'tis different. I use the plait and nail, I don't think it would take any longer to do than the hdra method.
BTW I keep mine in the garage, I was once told/read somewhere, that you shouldn't keep dried herbs and veg. in the kitchen as it is too warm and humid. It also stops my daughter from using it as a dressing up necklace come halloween :)
Jeremy
Never get time to think about plaiting my crop - they ususally get used up to quickly! Sweet new garlic ...... glorious. All gone by the end of October usually. (makes mental note - must grow more next year!!!)
AC x
Thank goodness! Gavin directed us to the pic's of the method I have always used, I'd hate to have to try and describe it using words. It's quite easy once you get the knack and it holds onions very well. I start with a loop of string which I tie into a loop about 2ft long and hang it on a nail to start.
Never done the plaiting :-\ what i do is get my wifes tights ;D put the onions and galic in them one at a time then tie a knot in the tights after each one, then you can cut them off when you need them. I leave them in the shed down the lottie, the only problem is that i do get some funny looks from the other people when i walk down to the lottie carrying ladies tights ;D ;) , they must think im a cross dresser :-\ .
Peter