what onions do you need?
can i grow them?
lbb
You obviously need a variety that produces small onions. Other than that shallots would be a pickling crop.
We don't have the space to grow either, but shallots would probably be the better option.
valmarg
Any of these?
http://www.suttons.co.uk/Shop/Vegetable+Seeds/Onion+Brown+Pickling+SY+300+Seeds+173160.htm (http://www.suttons.co.uk/Shop/Vegetable+Seeds/Onion+Brown+Pickling+SY+300+Seeds+173160.htm) for a brown onion
http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/?PAGEID=20671&ctl_cat_Code=M21111 (http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/?PAGEID=20671&ctl_cat_Code=M21111) for silverskin, purple or brown
I was sure I'd got a few seeds for silverskins in a swap, but I can't find them on my list now :(
Before you grow them, pick them, tearfully peel them, stink the house out brining them and boiling up the spiced vinegar etc.
Have you tried the 'own brands' of pickled onions?
We like them occasionally, are not connoisseurs obviously, but we think that for 30p-40p a jar the ready made ones from ASDA and Sainsburys are excellent value.
thankyou valmarg and ceres, suttons have them on way to me.
PurpleHeather, i do the tears and smells anyway, but i hadnt thought of growing them.
lbb
I got 3 bags of shallotts from Morrisons last September - they were only 20p a bag so not a massive investment. They were great, I made them very hot and they were fab, I am growing shallotts myself this year so I can make more.
I often get the cheep, own brand ones but if you want something a bit special or different it's worth doing your own.
Helen x
Couldn't agree more Tinkie, you can make them hotish to really really hot by adding dried chillies, or sweet by adding sherry or sherry vinegar, etc. They are reallly worthwhile making the effort.
valmarg
add a couple of teaspoons of honey!! yummy!!! ;)
Or Balsamic vinegar for a real treat.