Description
Onion Texas Grano (Allium cepa)
Texas grano is a highly popular, short-day heirloom onion variety renowned for its mild, sweet flavour, large size and straw coloured bulbs. Developed by Texas A&M University, it is famously so mild it can be eaten like an apple!
Known for its high yields and excellent flavor, Texas Grano is a go-to onion for home gardeners seeking tender, sweet onions with excellent culinary versatility.
In the Kitchen
Texas Grano is ideal for fresh eating, grilling, or cooking, adding a gentle sweetness to salads, salsas, burgers and other savory dishes. Lightly grilling brings out its natural sugars.
Cultivation
Texas Grano is a fast-maturing short day variety that is ideal for winter crops in all areas of the country, and can be used year round in the north. It is a reliable choice for gardeners with mild winters.
Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil for the best bulb development and storage quality.
Prepare beds well by loosening the soil deeply, removing stones and clumps, and enriching with compost. Onions prefer a soil pH of 5.5–6.5.
Companion Planting
Onions are excellent companion plants in the vegetable garden. Their strong aroma helps repel many insect pests and they grow particularly well near cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, tomatoes, and peaches.
Uses
Onions are one of the world’s most versatile vegetables. Besides their culinary value, onion skins are used for natural dyes, while onions themselves are traditionally used for cleaning grills and household tasks.
Health Benefits
Onions are rich in sulphur compounds, antioxidants, and quercetin, which are valued for their health-supporting properties. They are also a good source of folic acid and form an important part of a healthy, balanced diet.
