Onion Picking / Packing
Onions are cultivated as food and they are considered vegetable in the culinary world. Also known as bulb onion, they belong to the family of Allium. The onion has a long, green, hollow leaves that are also edible. The bulb grows under the soil until it reaches its maturity and is ready for harvesting. The use of onions varies from using it as an ingredient, a garnish or a foodstuff for pickles and chutneys. Onions can grow wild, but today, they are being cultivated for export and a regular vegetable crop that grows year round, not only in Australia, but throughout the world.
In Australia, the part of Lockyer Valley and Western regions grow onions throughout the year. Depending on the climatic situation, other areas can also sustain to cultivate the vegetable for as long as possible. Planting of onions can be done on flat grounds or raised beds. They are easy to grow but needs more attention if you expect more yield. Growing onions need careful attention, especially when it comes to spacing. The size and shape are greatly affected by poor spacing as well as a higher chance of exposure to disease and rot. Seeds can take as long as 10 to 28 days before they start to germinate.
Harvesting of onions usually happens when most of its leaves start to wither or have fallen. They are hand picked from the leaves and carefully extract them from the soil. They are usually put in sacks or bins before they are delivered to the shed for proper cleaning. Onions can either be sold in the market without their leaves or with the whole bunch, carefully cleansed and tied up. Large manufacturers usually deliver the onions in pallets or containers for local and international distribution.
Onions have rich phythochemicals that work to enhance the distribution of vitamin C in the body. They also have chromium that is responsible for regulating blood sugar, a good source of nutrient essential good for reducing inflammation and infections. It is also an anti-cancer vegetable because of its quercetin compound and a great relief for pain especially bee stings. The green tops are also edible and are a great source of vitamin A. Raw onions, according to studies, are known to help in the production of good cholesterol in the body. If you suffer from gastric ulcers, this type of vegetable is rich in free radicals that that can reduce your risk of ulcers.
Australian backpackers usually find financial freedom working as vegetable harvesters ,especially in the regional areas of Australia. Harvesting crops such as onions for three consecutive months can also entitle a tourist for a visa extension of up to 12 months without going through the same process of obtaining a visa again. The pay is fairly good as most tourists attest to being able to finance their stay in the country by working as a fruit picker or a harvester. The Australian government has a holiday working visa that allows tourist to work or study in Australia for a maximum of three months, giving enough opportunity to earn.
