Shipping onions in containers is a technical process. To export onions while maintaining freshness, strict quality controls must be implemented from the farm all the way to the buyer.
Like most fruits and vegetables, onions do not improve after harvest. Any error at any stage will reduce their shelf life and quality for consumption.
An onion expert does much more than just move product. They are technical specialists who ensure that the onions remain healthy during several weeks at sea, especially when companies need to export onions to international markets.
Here is what Cebollas Aparici, as an onion specialist, recommends you know about how to export onions:
What are the main challenges when you export onions?
The primary challenge is keeping the onions stable and fresh from harvest until they reach the international market. The main goals include:
- Harvesting the onions at the optimal time.
- Properly drying and curing them after harvest.
- Ensuring consistency across every batch.
- Securing the product within shipping containers.
- Adhering to international safety and traceability standards.
Every step is vital. For instance, harvesting too early or too late can lead to a loss of consistency and, in some cases, cause bulbs to rot. Inadequate drying leads to excess humidity, potentially increasing quality issues during transit.
To avoid these issues, an onion specialist must attend to every detail from the start to ensure the onions arrive in the best possible condition. This is especially important for buyers and distributors who need to export onions safely over long distances.
Factors that define a high-quality export onion
In this regard, Cebollas Aparici highlights the following technical factors that determine high-quality export onions:
- Selecting the right onion varieties for long-distance transit.
- Carefully drying the onions after harvest.
- Sorting by size and quality, with specific attention to potential quality defects.
- Using correct container settings for temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
- Maintaining steady temperatures and proper airflow during transport.
Choosing the right variety is vital because some onions handle travel better than others. Proper drying is also critical to harden the skin and protect against moisture.
Furthermore, using uniform batches is essential for traceability and ensuring the onions reach their destination with stable quality.
Finally, shipping containers must provide adequate airflow to prevent humidity from compromising the product. When the goal is to export onions with consistent quality, container preparation becomes a key part of the process.
When is the best time to export onions?
Timing is everything. Shipping at the right time of year ensures the onions are naturally robust enough for the journey.
Typically, the best quality of brown onions for shipping are ready in August. This is when our long-day onions of Grano variety, are mature and ready for curing and exporting, which helps to:
- Maintain freshness for a longer duration.
- Prevent dampness and sprouting.
- Ensure survival during long container voyages.
- Guarantee visual uniformity across the batch.
Aparici: Experts in onion export
Experience is paramount in this industry. At Aparici onions, we are Spanish onion specialists who manage the entire process from start to finish.
We oversee every stage: from selecting the best onions in the field to preparing them for transit. This ensures they remain fresh and consistent, meeting the high standards of the global market.
Need high-quality onions for export? If you are looking to export onions with a reliable Spanish onion specialist, Aparici is here to help. Contact us today!
