Description

Description

Barletta Onion - Taste of Italy: Sweet & Savory

Step into a bustling kitchen in southern Italy, generations ago, the air thick with the aroma of tomatoes and herbs; a bowl of small, pearly white onions, the Barletta, on the counter. This classic European heirloom is a prized ingredient for pickling to capture summer's bounty, or sliced thin to lend a delicate sweetness to simple salads – a versatility that continues to reward those who appreciate good food today. This onion's fast growth, comparable to bunching onions but with far richer flavor, bridges the past and present for today's grower. Fortunately, its early growth and adaptability mean that bringing this taste of Italian tradition to your home is within easy reach for almost any gardener.

Details

This short-day onion variety matures quickly, typically in 60 to 70 days, making it ideal for gardeners in regions with shorter growing seasons or those wanting an early harvest. Its small, round to slightly flattened bulbs, averaging ¾ inch in diameter, are pristine, silvery-white, covered in a thin, papery skin, often described as parchment-like. The dark green and linear leaves grow upright, reaching 14 to 24 inches. The flavor profile is notably sweet and mild, with a fine, crisp texture, sometimes revealing a subtle spicy undertone. As you harvest, you'll find the scent is a classic, clean onion aroma.

Also known as "Barletta White Pickling Onion," "Pearl Onion," "Onion De Barletta", "Barletta Baby Pearl Onion", "Pickler", "Cocktail Onion", "Pearly White Onion," and by other regional names, this adaptable variety thrives across a wide range of USDA hardiness zones (typically 2-9). Its short growing season allows for multiple plantings in many regions within a single growing season. These onions are generally considered easy to grow and tolerate light frosts, which can be advantageous for early spring or late fall plantings.

Exceptionally well-suited for container gardening, its compact growth habit and shallow root system make it an excellent choice for urban gardeners or those with limited in-ground planting areas.

History

Originating from southern Italy, this onion is a flavorful link to the past, an heirloom with ancestry that may well trace back to Roman times. Some believe this variety, or its close ancestor, journeyed across Europe with the expansion of the Roman Empire. Regardless of its exact origins, its sustained cultivation underscores its exceptional qualities and enduring appeal to gardeners over time.

Cultivated primarily in the coastal city of Barletta, located in Italy’s Apulia (Puglia) region, it thrives in the Mediterranean climate and sandy, well-drained soils of the area. Its historical roots are deeply tied to southern Italy’s agricultural traditions.

Apulia, a fertile region known as the "breadbasket of Rome," was a critical agricultural hub during the Roman Empire (27 BCE–476 CE). The Romans cultivated onions extensively for culinary and medicinal purposes, valuing their durability and nutritional benefits. While we may not have ancient scrolls explicitly labeling "Barletta onion," the writings of Roman agricultural experts like Columella and Pliny the Elder detail onion cultivation in Italy, and it's clear that Apulia's fertile conditions were well-suited for these early varieties.

The Romans actively spread onion cultivation throughout their empire, establishing it as far as Western Europe. Soldiers and settlers carried onions as a staple food, and their adaptability made them a common crop in conquered territories. The name "Barletta" likely emerged later, reflecting the onion’s strong association with the city’s agricultural identity. By the Middle Ages, Apulia’s trade networks facilitated the spread of local produce, including onions. This heirloom remains a cherished symbol of its southern Italian heritage, its cultivation enduring through traditional methods and highlighting its long history.

Uses

Prized for its small size and appealingly sweet flavor – a sweetness often lacking in other pickling onions – this variety is a standout for pickling, where it maintains a delightful crispness. Beyond the pickling jar, its mildness shines in fresh dishes, adding a delicate touch to salads or as an elegant cocktail garnish. Its versatility also shows with cooked dishes; you'll find yourself reaching for them when grilling, adding a subtle sweetness to soups, stews, and sauces. Even the green tops are a mild chive or spring onion substitute.

Whether you're chopping them into a fresh guacamole or salsa, dicing them into grain bowls, or layering them onto tacos and sandwiches, the Barletta's savory-sweet taste enhances a variety of cuisines. These small, mild-flavored onions can also be tossed whole into soups and stews or roasted as a simple, flavorful side. Enjoy their tangy bite on their own or as a bright condiment. Globally, Barlettas are appreciated in many ways, from being a palate-cleansing appetizer in Asia to a key ingredient in European sandwiches, savory pies, and even a popular burger topping in Australia. This onion pairs beautifully with herbs like thyme, basil, and parsley, spices such as cumin and cayenne, and various meats including beef, pork, and poultry.

Companion Planting

Beneficial pairings include carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, and cabbage family members.

Antagonistic plantings include peas, beans, asparagus, turnips, sage, and other Alliums.

Planting and Growing Tips

For an early start, sow seeds indoors two weeks before the last frost, maintaining a soil temperature of 60 to 75°F. Direct sow outdoors in early to mid-spring, ensuring full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Barletta onions prefer full sun, needing at least 10 to 12 hours of direct sunlight daily. Healthy bulbs need consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week, especially during bulb formation. A key practice is to reduce or even stop watering about one week before the anticipated harvest to encourage the bulbs to mature and dry slightly.

For successful container cultivation, use a well-draining container at least 6 to 8 inches wide and deep, providing about 1 to 2 inches of space around each onion. Using a high-quality potting mix will further support healthy growth.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over, or for pickling, harvest earlier when bulbs reach ¾ inch in diameter. Gently loosen the soil and lift the bulbs, brushing off excess soil. You'll find the bulbs store best after a brief curing period in a warm, well-ventilated area.