Silverskin onions.

[AngelofDeath]

A friend of mine wants to get some silverskin onions for cooking with. She wants fresh ones still in their skins. So far we have had little success in finding them. Does anyone know where we can get them?

[spk]

do you have a fruit and veg market nearby? They tend to sell a better range of veggies than tescos etc

[nickmo]

You may have trouble getting a lot of them with skin on, as commercial growers tend to be under contract and will sell all stock to the pickling industry. Look out for the larger than normal salad onions, though - these are the same variety - no brown skin by the way - hence they are called silverskin....

Look out for any markets stalls with veg and ask if they do grow pickiling onions and ask them to have some for you when they lift.

The main variety is I think called 'Paris Silverskin' - seeds are easily got - any garden centre etc - and are ok to sow now. One site with pics of the onion: http://www.capitalgardens.co.uk/acatalog/Vegetables_O_to_R.html inc red salad varieties and other types.

[Alibobs]

Shallots are probably the nearest you would get for cooking with

[AngelofDeath]

Thanks for the answers.

Today I have phoned Asda, Tesco's, Sainsbury's and Morrison's with no luck.

I have tried a local farm store and they have none, but they are going to market tomorrow and will check there for me.

I have two friends trying markets for me tomorrow and will be asking a chef friend of mine soon.

Things aren't looking hopeful. I did check out the seeds and have ordered some as a last resort. Thanks again.

[lafrancaise]

Do you know anyone coming over to France? They're in all the super/hypermarkets here.

[AngelofDeath]

Thanks lafrancaise. I don't have anyone going across, but I'll keep it mind. May be a good excuse for a trip across. LOL.

[WendyS]

It's the wrong time of year for obtaining them (normally autumn) but we usually buy a generous supply of pickling onions which we use when we want whole little onions in our stews and caseroles. They keep quite a while if stored in a cook dry place.