I remember my Gran saying not to leave the onions in the brine for more than 24 hours because the brine shrinks the outsides and their insides push out.

Thanks Drc but they had only been tn the brine for about 1hr when they started.

Do you think your brine is too stong then?

You could be right, I never know how much to put in. any idea. I did 3lbs but have some more to do.

2 good recipes on thses sites which may help you?www.allotment.org.uk/recipe/355/pickled-onion-recipe/
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A655535 -

Blimey that seems a lot of salt Drc don't you think? I don't boil the water either.Thanks might be worth a try.

Yes boil the water to dissolve the salt then leave to go cold. I thought the salt was about right isnt it 1lb about 450 grams salt to 3lbs of onions?

I put nowhere near a lb of salt in mine. so why they insist on popping out I don't know. any way they taste lovely every year. with or without their middles. thanks for all your help Drc