Dolling Produce ‐ Onion Producers
For the last 14 years, Brett and Leanne Dolling have been supplying Woolworths with their delicious onions. Their life as growers started 36 years ago when they started with not just onions but also potatoes and carrots. After years trying with these vegetables and various others, they are now focused solely on growing onions. With the help of their two sons, Jarryd and Chet, they are producing excellent results. And recently they expanded operations to include properties on the limestone coast area north of Naracoorte with the aim of growing the family business.
"Our farm is based in a cool but dry area of South Australia that has a good underground water supply. These conditions ideally suit the growing of onions, especially red onions. The name Padthaway comes from the Aboriginal word for 'good water", Brett Dolling tells us.
The onions are planted by seed with approximately 500,000 seeds per hectare. The planting begins in June and continues till September ‐ then the harvesting begins in January through to April. Depending on the weather, the time from planting to harvesting is usually 26‐32 weeks.
Once the onions are ready, they're then cured for at least two weeks in large, naturally ventilated open sheds. This improves the quality of the onions and increases their shelf life. Then after the curing process, they are shipped straight to Woollies for you to enjoy.
When it comes to picking out the best onions, Brett and Leanne believe there are no tricks ‐ instead just look for firm onions that are free from cuts and blemishes. It's that simple.
Onions can be the secret ingredient to many meals, so it's important you keep them always fresh for when they're needed. Brown onions that are already ripe should be stored at a cool temperature in a well‐ventilated area. With these conditions, good onions can store for several months during autumn and winter. While red onions are best stored in the fridge as they have a shorter usable lifespan than brown onions.