Walking Onions: The Forgotten Flavor of Spring
As a gardener and a pickling enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique flavors to add to my jars. That’s why I’m excited to share with you the story of the walking onion, a forgotten variety that’s ripe for revival.
The walking onion, also known as the tree onion, is a hardy and zesty addition to any garden. It’s a topsetting onion, which means that it grows bulblets at the top of its stalks, eventually falling over and sending down roots to start a new growth cycle. This process allows the onion to “walk” across the garden, spreading its flavorful goodness far and wide.
Walking onions in all their glory
I had the chance to speak with John Coykendall, master gardener at Blackberry Farm, about his love for the walking onion. “It’s one of those things we refer to as functionally extinct,” he says. “It exists, but most people don’t know it’s available.” Coykendall is on a mission to change that, preaching the “seed gospel” and encouraging gardeners to give this forgotten variety a try.
The walking onion is a natural fit for pickling, with its sweet and tangy flavor adding depth to any jar. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to grow, making it a great addition to any garden.
A Recipe to Try: Onion Soup with Pickled Onions
If you’re looking for a way to showcase the walking onion’s unique flavor, try making a batch of onion soup with pickled onions. Simply roast the onions in the oven with some thyme and butter, then blend them into a smooth soup. Top with pickled pearl onions and a sprinkle of croutons for a delicious and satisfying meal.
A warm bowl of onion soup on a chilly spring day
Growing Your Own Walking Onions
If you’re inspired to give walking onions a try, you can purchase a bunch to plant from southernexposure.com for just $13. Simply plant them in your garden and watch them multiply, providing you with a bounty of flavorful onions for years to come.
A bunch of walking onions ready to plant
The walking onion is a flavorful and hardy addition to any garden, and it’s time we give it the love it deserves. So go ahead, give this forgotten variety a try, and taste the difference for yourself.
