Onion is one of the most fascinating flavoring options and best fits all types of food. Whether vegan or non-vegan, it is the ultimate choice for all options.
Grilled materials. Salad to soups. All foods harness the magic of onion to spice up the flavors. How can you select the excellent onion type?
First, you should know the various types of onions available. Then opt for the best ones. Let’s get an overview of multiple types of common onions and then highlight the good onions.
Various types of onions available in the market
There are various types of onions present in the market. We have made a table to close this discussion.
| Onion Type | Color/Appearance | Flavor Profile | Texture | Common Uses | Key Features |
| Yellow Onion | Golden-brown skin, white flesh | Sweet and pungent | Firm | Soups, stews, sauces, roasts | All-purpose, excellent for caramelizing |
| Cebola vermelha | Purple-red skin, white and purple flesh | Mild, slightly sweet | Crisp | Raw in salads, sandwiches, salsas | Adds color to dishes, best raw or grilled |
| White Onion | Bright white skin and flesh | Sharp, pungent | Crunchy | Mexican dishes, salsas, stir-fries | Retains crunch, ideal for raw applications |
| Sweet Onion | Pale yellow to golden, large | Very sweet | Soft | Caramelizing, grilling, onion rings | Mild, low sulfur content, high in sugar |
| Green Onion (Scallion) | Green stalks with white base | Mild, fresh | Tender | Garnishes, soups, stir-fries | Entirely edible, versatile for garnishing |
| Shallot | Copper-pink skin, pale purple-white flesh | Delicate, hint of garlic | Fine | Sauces, dressings, vinaigrettes | Subtle flavor, used in refined dishes |
| Leek | White base with dark green leaves | Mild, slightly sweet | Firm | Soups, casseroles, quiches | Only white and light green parts used |
| Pearl Onion | Small, white, or red | Mild, slightly sweet | Firm, crisp | Pickling, roasting, stews | Ideal for pickling and decorative garnishes |
| Cipollini Onion | Small, flat, yellow or red skin | Sweet, rich | Dense | Roasting, caramelizing | Sweet flavor intensifies when roasted |
| Maui Onion | Golden-brown skin, juicy flesh | Very sweet | Soft | Salads, grilling, raw applications | Mild and juicy, grown in volcanic soil |
| Vidalia Onion | Pale yellow, round | Very sweet | Soft | Onion rings, salads, sandwiches | Named after Vidalia, Georgia; mild, low in sulfur |
| Walla Walla Onion | Yellow-brown, round | Very sweet | Juicy, crisp | Salads, grilling, raw applications | Seasonal onion, known for sweetness and crispness |
| Spanish Onion | Pale yellow to white | Mild, slightly sweet | Firm | Salads, sautéing, casseroles | Larger size, popular for slicing raw |
| Bermuda Onion | Large, red or white skin | Mild, less pungent | Crisp | Salads, sandwiches, grilling | Less pungent, good raw or lightly cooked |
| Spring Onion | Green tops with small white bulbs | Mild, fresh | Tender | Salads, garnishing, stir-fries | Stronger than scallions; both parts used |
| Egyptian Onion | Bulblets atop stalks, green shoots | Pungent, spicy | Crisp | Salads, relishes, pickling | Grows in clusters, edible bulbs and greens |
Tips to select a good onion
Choosing a good quality onion is the main question. You have to dive deep into the quality and assess the onion manually. Let’s discuss the types of good onions.
Firmness
Firmness is the crucial indicator of the onion quality and freshness. For example, if the onion is firm, it has yet to spoil and start to break down. On the other hand, soft and spoiled onions start smelling after a few years.
Crisp and firm onion can:
- Suitable for slicing, chopping, and cooking.
- Last longer when stored due to extended shelf life.
- Retain their flavors for many days.
How to check firmness?
It is simple. Assess:
- Squeeze the onion.
- Does it feel firm and hard? Well. That is what you should hunt down. If it doesn’t feel good, go for a hard one.
Dry and Papery Skin
Have you observed the skin of your onion? A dry and papery skin indicates there is no moisture. What if moisture penetrates the skin? The onion starts decaying as the protective layer has been destroyed.
Why is it necessary to check for dry and papery skin?
Here are a few reasons.
- Dry and papery skin makes it easier to peel and prepare the onion. It saves time.
- It ensures the onion is fresh and suitable for use.
- Protected inner flesh nurtures the best taste in the dry and papery onion types.
How to check?
- Feel the skin.
- How does it feel? If it is dry and hard, it produces noise on the hand application. Humid skin doesn’t get peeled easily as well.
No Visible Sprouts
Sprouting is a sign of aging. Whenever looking for the onion, check for sprouting. This phenomenon happens when the onion uses its nutrients to grow the new parts.
Why does the sprouting matter?
- Onions without sprouting have their peak freshness retained. Their taste and quality are the same as before.
- Sprouted onions have spoiled tastes and are not suitable for the recipes.
How do I check it?
- Inspect the onion.
- Look closely. Can you see the visible sprouting coming out of onions? Don’t purchase it.
Even Shape and Color
An even color onion is a good idea if you grab the quality. Always match the sizes and check the uniformity in the size around the onion.
Why does it matter?
- A uniform onion elevates the flavors and makes the taste mouth-watering.
- It is easy to cut.
- Uneven shapes can be significant and indicate decreased quality.
How to assess it?
- Look at the external surface. Match the different areas of the onion. Spot the blemishes and dark colors.
- Assess the size and uniformity of onions.
No Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises are a clear-cut indication of the Onion damage. Such onions spoil faster. Purchase the onions with no dark spots, cuts, or bruises.
Why does it matter?
- Onions without cuts retain their original tastes.
- They have a longer shelf life.
How to check?
- An external look with a detailed analysis can find the cuts.
- Closely look at the eye levels to find bruises on the surface.
Conclusão
Consider all the types on your plate when looking for the best onion. Taste the sweet ones on special occasions. Pungent onions are the best options in all seasons. Go for the quality onion at all the events.
Where do you get the quality onions?
FENDUNI garlic suppliers are one of the renowned suppliers in the industry. Their next-level quality and elegance have earned them a reputation. Explore the variety of onions available at FENDUNI!