The Lifecycle of an Onion: From Seed to Export

Onions (Allium cepa) are versatile and essential vegetables, used in cuisines worldwide. Egypt, with its rich agricultural heritage, plays a significant role in onion production and export. In this article, we’ll explore the onion’s lifecycle, from planting the seed to shipping it overseas.

Seed Selection and Germination

Farmers carefully choose high-quality onion seeds. These seeds are then planted in well-prepared soil during the cool season (usually from October to December in Egypt). Adequate moisture and warmth encourage germination.

Seedling Stage

Tiny green shoots emerge from the soil. These shoots will eventually become the onion leaves. To allow proper bulb development, seedlings are thinned out, leaving enough space between plants.

Bulb Formation

Over the next few months, the onion plant focuses on leaf growth. It absorbs nutrients and stores energy in the bulb. By the end of the first growing season (around 100-175 days), the bulb reaches its maximum size. This is when farmers typically harvest onions for consumption.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

For bulb consumption, onions are pulled from the ground when the leaves turn yellow and start to wither. Harvested bulbs are laid out to dry and cure, which improves their storage quality. They are then sorted by size, quality, and appearance before being packaged in mesh bags, crates, or cartons for domestic and international markets.

Export Process

Egypt exports onions to various countries, including the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Onions must meet international quality standards regarding size, color, and absence of defects. They are stored in cool, well-ventilated warehouses and transported by sea or air. Most exporters package onion in mesh bags for transportation.

From tiny seeds to global trade, the onion’s journey is a testament to human ingenuity and nature’s resilience. Next time you slice an onion, remember the intricate process that brought it to your kitchen.