SOUTHERN BELLE RED ONIONS

The Southern Belle Red onion is a popular short-day variety of onion, known for its sweet flavor and vibrant red color.¹ It is a hybrid onion, often preferred by gardeners and farmers in the southern United states.²

Here is a more detailed description of its characteristics:

Appearance and Flavor:

• Color: Deep, ruby red throughout, with the color blushing deep into the rings, especially when properly cured.³

• Shape: Typically globe-shaped, though some sources may describe it as a flattened globe or grano shape.⁴ It can grow to be about 4 inches in diameter.⁵

• Taste: Very sweet and mild, making it an excellent choice for eating fresh in salads, on sandwiches, or as a garnish.⁶

Growing and Harvesting:

• Type: It is a "short-day" onion, meaning it begins to bulb when the day length reaches 10-12 hours.⁷ This makes it ideal for growing in southern regions of the U.S.

• Maturity: It matures relatively quickly, typically ready for harvest in about 105-110 days from planting.⁸

• Resistance: It has good resistance to diseases and bolting (premature flowering), which is a common issue for onions.⁹

Storage:

• Shelf Life: While it is a sweet onion, it has a moderate storage potential, generally lasting for about 2 to 4 months.¹⁰

Health Benefits:

• Like other red onions, the Southern Belle Red is rich in quercetin, a flavonoid and antioxidant that has been studied for its potential health benefits, including fighting inflammation and certain diseases.¹¹