Quick Facts about Onions
Why you'll love Harvest Moon Onions
Few ingredients have earned a place in as many kitchens as the humble onion. From family dinners to restaurant kitchens, onions are the foundation of countless recipes, adding natural sweetness, depth and flavour to dishes around the world.
At Harvest Moon, onions have been part of our story from the very beginning. They were one of the very first vegetables we chose to grow, and more than 40 years later they remain at the heart of our business. Today, we proudly supply premium brown and red onions year-round to Australian retailers, wholesalers and customers around the world.
Whether slowly caramelised until golden, roasted alongside vegetables, tossed through fresh salads or used to build the base of soups, sauces and casseroles, Harvest Moon onions are grown to deliver exceptional flavour, consistency and quality in every meal.
Did You Know?
Onions were one of the very first vegetables Harvest Moon chose to grow, and they remain one of our signature crops more than 40 years later.
Brown or Red? Which onion should you use?
Why choose Harvest Moon Onions?
Available Year-Round
For more than four decades, Harvest Moon has refined the art of growing premium onions.
Our cool Tasmanian climate and fertile soils create ideal growing conditions, allowing onions to develop outstanding flavour, colour and quality naturally, all year round availability.
Whether destined for a family dinner table in Australia or an export market overseas, every Harvest Moon onion reflects the same commitment to quality that has been part of our business since day one.
Our experience is second to none
Onions were one of the very first vegetables Harvest Moon chose to grow, and they've remained at the heart of our business ever since
Growing great onions doesn't happen by chance. From carefully preparing our paddocks and selecting the right varieties to curing, grading and packing every crop, every step has been refined through years of experience. It's this attention to detail that has earned the trust of customers across Australia and around the world.
Red Onion and the sun
Our red onions even receive a specialised protective coating during the growing season to help shield them from the harsh Australian sun, ensuring they maintain the rich colour and premium appearance our customers expect.
From careful crop monitoring to specialised protection for our red onions during the growing season, every crop receives the attention it deserves.
Trusted Across Australia & Beyond
For more than 40 years, Harvest Moon has supplied premium Australian vegetables to retailers, wholesalers, food service businesses and export markets. That experience has taught us that producing exceptional vegetables starts long before planting.
Healthy crops begin with healthy soil. That's why we invest in carefully planned crop rotations and specialised cover crop programs that help improve soil health, support biodiversity and prepare our paddocks for future growing seasons. It's one of the many ways we're working to grow better vegetables, year after year.
Moving beyond the basics
Onions have been part of human history for more than 5,000 years, making them one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world. While they might seem simple on the surface, there's far more to an onion than meets the eye.
Each layer is actually a modified leaf that stores nutrients as the bulb grows, creating the distinctive structure we all recognise. Brown onions naturally become sweeter as they cook, making them perfect for roasting, soups and slow-cooked meals, while red onions contain anthocyanins, powerful natural antioxidants responsible for their vibrant purple-red colour.
And yes, there really is a scientific reason onions make you cry! When sliced, they release natural sulphur compounds that react with the moisture in your eyes, creating the familiar sting. At Harvest Moon, our onions are grown in Tasmania's cool climate, where the long growing season allows each bulb to slowly develop the flavour, colour and quality we're proud to deliver to customers across Australia and around the world.
Everything You Need to Know About Harvest Moon Onions
What are onions?
Onions (Allium cepa) are one of the world's oldest cultivated vegetables and belong to the allium family, alongside garlic, leeks, shallots and chives. They are grown for their edible bulb and are prized for the flavour they bring to thousands of dishes.
What's the difference between brown and red onions?
Brown onions have a stronger, richer flavour that becomes sweet when cooked, making them ideal for roasting, soups and casseroles. Red onions are milder and slightly sweeter, making them perfect for salads, sandwiches, burgers and pickling.
Are red onions healthier than brown onions?
Both are highly nutritious. Red onions contain additional natural pigments called anthocyanins, while brown onions are also rich in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.
Are onions vegetables?
Yes. Although often used like a seasoning, onions are classified as vegetables.
Where are Harvest Moon onions grown?
Harvest Moon grows premium onions in Tasmania, where the cool climate and fertile soils help produce exceptional flavour, colour and quality.
Are onions available all year?
Yes. Harvest Moon supplies onions year-round by carefully managing growing, harvesting and storage programs.
Why are onions so popular?
Their versatility, flavour and long storage life make onions one of the most widely used vegetables in the world.
Why do onions have layers?
Each layer is actually a modified leaf that stores nutrients as the onion grows.
Growing & Harvest
How are onions grown?
Onions are grown from seed in carefully prepared fields before developing into mature bulbs that are harvested, cured and packed.
How long do onions take to grow?
Most onions take around 5–7 months to grow, depending on the variety and seasonal conditions.
What is onion curing?
Curing is the process of drying freshly harvested onions so the outer skin hardens and the neck seals. This helps improve storage life and quality.
Why do onions need curing?
Curing reduces moisture and protects the onion from spoilage during storage.
How do you know when onions are ready to harvest?
Harvest timing depends on bulb size, maturity and when the tops naturally begin to fall over.
Why are onions dried after harvest?
Drying helps preserve flavour, improve storage life and prepare onions for packing.
Why do Harvest Moon red onions have a protective coating?
Harvest Moon applies a specialised protective coating to red onions during the growing season to help shield them from the harsh Australian sun and maintain their premium colour.
What makes a premium onion?
Premium onions should have firm bulbs, healthy skins, excellent colour and strong flavour, with no signs of soft spots or damage.
How long has Harvest Moon grown onions?
Onions were one of the very first vegetables Harvest Moon chose to grow and have remained a cornerstone of the business for more than 40 years.
Nutrition & Health
Are onions healthy?
Yes. Onions are naturally low in calories and contain Vitamin C, fibre, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.
What nutrients are found in onions?
Onions naturally contain Vitamin C, folate, potassium, fibre and antioxidants.
Do onions contain antioxidants?
Yes. Onions are naturally rich in antioxidants, including quercetin.
Are onions good for gut health?
Onions contain dietary fibre and natural prebiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome.
Are onions low in calories?
Yes. Onions are naturally low in calories while adding plenty of flavour.
Can onions be eaten every day?
Yes. They can be enjoyed regularly as part of a balanced diet.
Cooking
Which onion is best for cooking?
Brown onions are generally the best choice for cooking because they develop a rich sweetness when heated. But you can certainly cook red onions too for a sweet, mild flavour.
Which onion is best for salads?
Red onions are popular in salads thanks to their mild flavour and vibrant colour.
Which onion is best for burgers?
Red onions provide freshness and crunch, while caramelised brown onions add sweetness and richness.
Which onion is best for soups?
Brown onions are ideal because they create a rich flavour base.
Can you roast onions?
Absolutely. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. Add them to a mixed baking tray with potato's, pumpkin, sweet potato and carrots! Amazing!
Can you barbecue onions?
Yes. Brown onions are particularly delicious cooked on the BBQ. Very Australian!
Can onions be air fried?
Yes. Air frying produces beautifully caramelised onions.
Can you eat onions raw?
Yes. Red onions are particularly popular raw thanks to their milder flavour. Or try onions pickled for your lunch!
Why do cooked onions taste sweeter?
Cooking breaks down natural compounds and allows the onion's natural sugars to develop.
Can onions be pickled?
Yes. Red onions and Brown onions are popular for quick pickling.
What are caramelised onions?
Caramelised onions are slowly cooked until their natural sugars develop into a rich, sweet flavour.
Storage
How should onions be stored?
Store whole onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
Should onions be refrigerated?
Whole onions are generally best stored outside the refrigerator. Once cut, they should be refrigerated in an airtight container.
How long do onions last?
Properly stored onions can last for several weeks or even months, depending on the variety and storage conditions.
Can onions be frozen?
Yes. Chopped onions can be frozen for later cooking.
Should onions be stored with potatoes?
No. Potatoes release moisture and gases that can cause onions to spoil more quickly.
Why do onions sprout?
Sprouting is a natural sign that the onion is trying to grow again, often after extended storage.
Buying, Wholesale & Harvest Moon
Where can I buy Harvest Moon Onions?
Harvest Moon onions are available through selected supermarkets, greengrocers and produce suppliers across Australia.
Does Harvest Moon supply Onions wholesale?
Yes. Harvest Moon supplies premium Red and Brown onions to wholesalers, retailers, food service businesses and distributors throughout Australia. Ready to Buy? Contact us!
Does Harvest Moon export Onions ?
Yes. Harvest Moon has more than 35 years of experience exporting premium Australian vegetables to international markets.
How can my business purchase Harvest Moon Onions?
Businesses interested in purchasing Harvest Moon onions can contact our sales team to discuss wholesale or export opportunities. Ready to Buy? Contact us!
Can Harvest Moon supply export customers?
Yes. Harvest Moon has more than 35 years of export experience, supplying premium Australian vegetables to customers around the world.
Why choose Harvest Moon Onions?
Onions are part of Harvest Moon's story. As one of the very first vegetables we chose to grow, they've helped shape our business for more than four decades. Today, we combine generations of growing experience with Tasmania's ideal climate, specialised growing techniques and careful quality control to produce onions trusted by customers across Australia and around the world.
What makes Harvest Moon broccoli different?
Harvest Moon broccoli is grown using decades of horticultural expertise and a commitment to quality at every stage, from soil preparation and crop monitoring through to harvesting, hydro cooling and packing. It's this attention to detail that helps us consistently deliver premium broccoli to customers across Australia and around the world.
Fun Facts
Why do onions make you cry?
When an onion is cut, it releases sulphur compounds that react with the moisture in your eyes, creating a mild irritant that causes tears.
How can I stop crying while cutting onions?
Using a sharp knife, chilling the onion beforehand or improving ventilation can help reduce irritation.
Why do onions smell so strong?
Their distinctive aroma comes from natural sulphur compounds produced by the plant.
Are green shoots inside onions safe to eat?
Yes. The green shoots are edible, although they may have a slightly stronger flavour.
Why are onions Mark Kables favourite vegetable?
Because they have layers.