Onion, Rossa di Toscana (Organic)
Allium cepa. Red. 120 days. Long Day.
These beautiful, dark red Italian onions can get very large and still maintain good storage quality through February. Classic flattened cipollini shape. White and red layered flesh is very pungent. Strong necks are good for braiding. Studies conducted at the University of Perugia’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences showed this variety to have the highest levels of immune stimulating polyphenols and antioxidants. Maybe it should be, “An onion a day keeps the doctor away?” Our strain originated from the Agricultori Custodi (Farmer Guardians) organization in Tuscany, Italy. Original seed collected in Italy by Seed Ambassador Kayla Preece in 2006.
Seed produced by Avoca in Corvallis, Oregon.
Geographical Origin |
---|
For bulb onions, sow indoors in flats with good potting soil February through March. Transplant into the garden in April or May, when plants are at least the size of a No. 2 pencil lead. Space 6” in rows that are 1’ apart. Onions benefit from frequent watering and shallow cultivation. Stop irrigating in August. Harvest when stem has shriveled and tipped over.
Seed Saving
To save seed, replant at least 20 onions (to avoid inbreeding) in the second spring. Large, beautiful globe shaped flowers attract pollinators. Cut whole seed heads when they open and show the black seeds. Thresh gently and winnow to remove debris and hollow seeds. Isolate from other Alliums of the same species by at least ½ mile.
Martin Faucher –
Where did you grow this variety? Canada
Ive seen this Onion drifting from the original flat bottom shape [ which I grew 40 years ago]
to a more rounded selection/ seedgrowers please keep the flat bottom..Beauty and Tradition!!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Rachel Robertson-Goldberg (verified owner) –
Where did you grow this variety? Northeastern US
This year we had our best onion crop ever. Rossa di Toscana was among the many varieties we grew and it performed beautifully: healthy, strong tops that stood tall right up until they were done. Thick though the necks were, they have dried down easily. We had a noticeable portion of bulbs that reached 4 inches in diameter with lovely, wine-dark skins. My husband and I just ate a couple of them for lunch, sautéed in butter, which prompted this review- they are absolutely, richly delicious! I tried a slice raw (I don’t like onions raw but our farmers market customers often ask about such things) and it was sweet and flavorful.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal