The knowledge hub
We do one thing, so we know it inside out. Nine products, every one graded, stored and packed to the same obsessive standard. Here is what we grow and supply, when it is in season, and how to get the best from it in your kitchen.
FAQ
What is the difference between onion sets and onion seed?
Sets are very small onions planted in autumn or spring. They start with a growth head start, so they can be harvested earlier, and they are stronger at emergence, giving better resistance to wind damage and pests. Onion seed drilled in spring gives a September harvest, and those crops are the long-storage ones that carry through to mid July the following year.
When are British onions in season?
The UK season opens with the Oldershaws of Moulton farm crop and then runs on British growers. Seed-drilled onions harvested in September store through to around mid July the following year, after which imported supply covers the gap until the new UK crop.
What defects do onion graders look for?
Every bulb through the Moulton packhouse is inspected against ten defects, including skinning, skin cracking, base rot and neck rot. Skinning is the loss of too many outer skins, caused by a late harvest or by over-curing in store. Base rot is fungal breakdown from the base of the bulb and is not usually visible from the outside.
Which alliums does Oldershaw Group supply?
Brown onions, red onions, shallots, echalions, pickling onions, garlic and tearless Sunions, plus prepared whole peeled, diced and sliced alliums through Goldwood.
Where can I learn how onions are grown and graded?
The Allium Masterclass on this site covers onion anatomy, the two growing methods, the UK onion lifecycle and the ten-defect grading standard used in the packhouse.
Keep going
The Allium Masterclass