Suttons - Redrover F1 Onions

Suttons have sent me a pack of Red Rover F1 Onions to trial this year. Currently they cost £2.99 for a pack containing approximately 150 seeds  

"Bred for flavour and long-term storage, this deep red onion will store for almost a year!!! Harvested in August, Onion ‘Redrover’ will happily last in a net in a frost-free place until the end of May/June, some lasting until early August. Uniform in shape and size, it not only has exceptional storage, but also has a high tolerance to sprouting, so it won't start growing before you get around to eating it. 

Not as fiery in flavour as a brown-skinned type, but with a mild, sweeter flavour and crunchy texture, it’s suitable for eating fresh in salads and sandwiches, or cooking in your favourite dish. How about trying homemade red onion marmalade? 

Height 35cm (14in). Spread: 20cm (8in)." 

Now up until I read the back of the pack I had never heard of Red Onion Marmalade, and didn't know it existed. Asking on one of my favourite Facebook groups I was informed it was, and they pointed me to a recipe for it. the hyperlink has photos from different people who have made it. 

Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 40 mins Total Time: 45 mins Servings 8 

• Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 2 large red onions, thinly sliced 
• ¼ cup white sugar 
• 1 cup dry red wine 
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 
• salt to taste 

Directions

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts. Add onions and sugar; cook and stir until onions start to caramelize, about 15 minutes.

Pour red wine and balsamic vinegar into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes more. Season with salt.

Sowing Information from the web site page for this onion 

"Direct sow onions outdoors in spring on any firm, well drained soil in full sun. Sow thinly at a depth of 1cm (½") and a distance of 30cm (12") between rows. Prepare the planting area several weeks in advance by incorporating some well rotted garden compost to improve drainage and soil fertility. Avoid planting onions on freshly manured soil. On particularly wet ground, try growing onions in raised beds. When large enough to handle, thin onion seedlings to 10cm (4") apart for medium sized bulbs, or at a slightly wider spacing if larger bulbs are required."

"Alternatively sow onion seed indoors in module trays at a depth of 1cm (½"), using free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 10-15C (50-59F) until after germination which usually takes 10-14 days. Once germinated, grow onions on in cool conditions until all risk of frost has passed and they are large enough to plant outdoors at a distance of 10cm (4") apart. Cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting."