[HD]

This is my first year growing vegetables and I pulled my shallots out today as they haven't appeared to be under the soil for some time, whereas the onions are; they seemed to be right on top of the soil.   Also their green stalks where yellow at the tips, unlike the onions which have green stalks right to the ends.  I don't know if I should have pulled them up or not but now I would like to pickle them.  Can I pickle them straight away or should I dry them?  I was hoping not as (a) I'm not sure how to, and, (b) I also have some onions and garlic which will need to be dried and I only have a small kitchen and my shed is usually damp - although not at the moment.

Helen

[Sparkyrog]

in this weather they will be fine drying outside ,best way is on a bit of netting so air can circulate 

[Beetroot queen]

in this weather they will be fine drying outside ,best way is on a bit of netting so air can circulate 

What a brilliat idea i could rig up a hammock made of net hehe 

I think i will hqve a go at pickling shallots this year although i dont know what i am doing.......... Val any tips 

[New shoot]

Can I pickle them straight away?

Yes you can 

If they still had green leaves with just yellowing at the ends, you may have picked them a bit too soon, but it won't matter if you pickle them 

[digger1]

When you have bottled them leave for about 4 months they will taste a lot better

[BobE]

When you have bottled them leave for about 4 months they will taste a lot better

Just in time for Christmas.

[upthetump]

i think it might be better to dry them as best you can. i dry mine and then cover them with salt to drive out the rest of the moisture. then wash the salt off, dry them with kitchen roll and pickle them. they seem to last longer. i used the last of mine in june and they were still crunchy 

[Jonajo]

Dry them a bit and yes salt overnight is important.

And then GOOD vinegar (not a whiff of the dreaded malt vinegar goes anywhere near them in this house - malt is a real flavour killer here!) heated with spices of your choice, some sugar,,poured over the shallots....

[gavinjconway]

When you have bottled them leave for about 4 months they will taste a lot better

That never happens in my house - just gotta start testing after 2 weeks!!

I totally agree with drying them first and then after peeling throw in a plastic colander or sieve and sprinkle salt liberally to draw out moisture. Then cook the mixture and bottle. Remember some chillie pieces in each bottle!!