Wondering what to do with an abundance of onion weed? Turn your weed problem into a delicious solution with this fermented onion weed recipe.
Onion weed (Allium triquetrum ) is very easily foraged at this time of year – in the spring as the weather warms up. Look for clumps of the telltale three-cornered stalks, glossy leaves and nodding white flowers.
It’s smell when picked or crushed is unequivocally “oniony”. As its name suggests, it is a weed, and care should be taken when foraging to ensure it has not been sprayed, nor is grown in contaminated soil.
Onion weed has many uses in the kitchen. All parts of the plant are edible; from the flower right down to the bulb and they make an excellent alternative to young leeks, or while you’re waiting to harvest the first of your garlic.
Fermented Onion Weed Recipe
This simple recipe from permie, fermenter, weeds enthusiast, and Restoration and Engagement Project Officer for Bush Heritage Australia, Monique Eve Miller will keep you in onions well beyond the onion weed season.
Wash the onion weed well, removing any dirt from the bulb and stems.
Chop off the roots – soil can make weird flavours in ferments! Curl into a jar until full.
Mix up 2% salt brine (by weight of water).
Pour over and fill the jar. Make sure the onion is entirely submerged. Put the lid on tightly.
Leave out of direct sunlight for at least four weeks.
When fermented, enjoy as a condiment or add to cooking for a taste that’s somewhere between garlic and onion with a sour fermented zing!
Want to know more about onion weed?
In Issue #21 of Pip Magazine, we reveal everything you need to know about this edible weed, including:
- In-depth advice on how to correctly identify onion weed.
- Various culinary uses and ideas for your foraged weeds.
- Plus, we bring you a delicious pickled bulbs recipe.
You can access this article online here as part of our digital subscription offering, or subscribe to the print version of Pip Magazine here. And when you subscribe to Pip this month you’ll go into the draw to WIN a seven-piece Set For Life Starter Pack from Solidteknics valued at $1,449!
Can you eat it unfermented? Recipes for that?
You sure can use it fresh Jenny! Just use it anywhere you’d use spring onions (though it can be a little stringier when cooked).
Hi, Could this be dehydrated