Onion, Sweet Spanish 'Alisa Craig'

Alisa Craig Sweet Onions, renowned for their remarkable sweetness and large size, have earned their place as a beloved and versatile variety among onion enthusiasts. Named after the Scottish island of Alisa Craig, these onions are characterized by their hefty bulbs, which can reach impressive sizes while maintaining a deliciously mild flavor. With a distinctive golden-brown skin and crisp, white flesh, Alisa Craig Sweet Onions are a culinary delight, adding a delightful sweetness to a variety of dishes.
In the kitchen, Alisa Craig Sweet Onions shine in both raw and cooked applications. Their mild and sweet flavor makes them an excellent choice for slicing into salads, sandwiches, and salsas, providing a refreshing and crisp addition. When cooked, these onions caramelize beautifully, enhancing the sweetness and adding depth to dishes like soups, stews, and stir-fries. The versatility of Alisa Craig Sweet Onions makes them a favorite for those seeking a reliable and flavorful onion to elevate the taste of their culinary creations.
Gardeners appreciate Alisa Craig Sweet Onions not only for their exceptional taste but also for their adaptability and ease of cultivation. These onions thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. With proper care, including consistent watering and adequate spacing, Alisa Craig Sweet Onions reward gardeners with sizable, high-quality bulbs. The reliability of these onions in the garden, combined with their sweet and mild flavor, makes them a sought-after choice for both home gardeners and professional chefs looking to enhance their dishes with the unique attributes of Alisa Craig Sweet Onions.

---

---

Sweet onions, including varieties like Alisa Craig, have specific growing conditions that contribute to their sweetness and overall quality. Here are the key growing conditions that sweet onions prefer:

1. Sunlight:
   
   • Sweet onions thrive in full sun. Plant them in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ample sunlight promotes bulb development and the accumulation of natural sugars.
2. Soil:
   
   • Plant sweet onions in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Loose, sandy loam enriched with organic matter is ideal. Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged conditions that may lead to rot.
3. Temperature:
   
   • Sweet onions prefer cool to moderate temperatures during their growing season. Plant them early in the spring when the soil is workable and temperatures range between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 24 degrees Celsius).
4. Watering:
   
   • Provide consistent moisture to sweet onions, especially during dry periods. Onions need regular watering but are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent rot.
5. Spacing:
   
   • Proper spacing is essential to allow bulbs to develop. Plant onion sets or seedlings about 4 to 6 inches apart in rows, ensuring good air circulation to reduce the risk of diseases.
6. Fertilization:
   
   • Prior to planting, incorporate well-rotted compost or a balanced fertilizer into the soil. Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy foliage development. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of bulb development.
7. Weeding:
   
   • Keep the onion bed free of weeds, as competition for nutrients and moisture can hinder onion growth. Mulching can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
8. Harvesting:
   
   • Harvest sweet onions when the tops have fallen over, indicating that the bulbs have reached maturity. Allow the onions to cure by drying them in a well-ventilated area for a few days before storage.

By providing these growing conditions, gardeners can cultivate sweet onions, such as Alisa Craig, with enhanced sweetness and desirable culinary qualities. Attention to proper care, including watering, spacing, and soil quality, contributes to successful onion cultivation in home gardens or on a larger scale.

---

Roasted Sweet Onions:
Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet onions (such as Alisa Craig), peeled and cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Onions:
   
   • Peel the sweet onions and cut them into wedges. Try to keep the wedges similar in size for even cooking.
3. Make the Marinade:
   
   • In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat the Onions:
   
   • Place the onion wedges in a large mixing bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss the onions to coat them evenly with the marinade.
5. Roast the Onions:
   
   • Transfer the coated onion wedges to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly oiled baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the onions are tender and caramelized, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   
   • Once the onions are roasted to your liking, remove them from the oven.
   • Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs if desired.
7. Serve Warm:
   
   • Serve the Roasted Sweet Onions as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled meats, poultry, or as a tasty addition to salads.

This recipe enhances the natural sweetness of Alisa Craig sweet onions through roasting, creating caramelized edges and a rich, savory flavor. It's a versatile dish that complements a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on its own.