Onions
A foundational aromatic vegetable available in yellow, red, and white varieties.
From the sharp bite of a raw white onion in a Mexican salsa to the jammy, caramelized sweetness of slowly cooked yellow onions in a French onion soup, no vegetable transforms more dramatically under heat — or contributes more depth of flavor to the dishes it inhabits.
Choose onions that feel heavy for their size and are not sprouting. Avoid any mushy or brown spots — these can quickly cause the entire onion to rot. Yellow onions are great all-purpose onions. White onions are the most pungent but also tend to be more tender. Red onions tend to be sweeter and are often quite large. Sweet onions are valued for being less pungent with a lower sulfur content.
The allium family offers an extraordinary range of flavors, textures, and culinary uses. Click any variety to explore its character and best preparations.
Yellow Onion
The all-purpose workhorse of the kitchen — pungent raw, deeply sweet when caramelized
White Onion
Sharper and more pungent than yellow — the classic Mexican cooking onion, great raw in salsas
Red Onion
Mild enough to eat raw with a striking purple-red color — perfect for salads, pickling, and grilling
Sweet Onion
Vidalia, Walla Walla, and Maui — high sugar, low sulfur, mild enough to eat like an apple
Green Onion / Scallion
Young onions harvested before bulbing — mild, fresh, and versatile raw or cooked
Shallot
Small, elongated, and complex — sweeter and more refined than onions, essential in French cooking
Pearl Onion
Tiny, tender whole onions that caramelize beautifully — a classic in stews, braises, and glazed preparations
Stored in a cool, dry place, onions keep for many, many months. Keeping them in the dark is also good; exposure to light hastens sprouting. Fresh market onions should be stored in the crisper drawer and used within a week.
To minimize crying while chopping, freeze the onion for a few minutes first, cut it under a vented hood, cut it under running water or wear goggles. Using a very sharp knife is also crucial. To get the onion smell off your hands, rub them on stainless steel. Raw onions add a crunchy, potent punch to salads, sandwiches and dips. Cooked, they become rich and full of umami — especially if they are done low and slow until their sugars caramelize. Their intense flavor means they're often either hidden in the background or used as a side or garnish, as in pungent chutneys or creamy dips.
Onions, both fresh and caramelized, freeze beautifully. They can also be made into jam or quick pickles.
Onions are mostly water, but are a fairly good source of fiber and Vitamin C, and also offer Vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, manganese and calcium. Onions also contain antioxidants, and their sulfur compounds have been studied for their potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Perhaps the most famous onion in the U.S. is the Vidalia onion. Cultivation began in the 1930s in Vidalia, Georgia, and the name — now trademarked — can be applied only to onions grown in the state, thanks to the Vidalia Onion Act of 1986.
The cause of onions' distinctive scent, flavor and eye-irritating aura is sulfur. Special compounds become reactive once cell walls are ruptured, not only making your eyes water but also making for an effective pest-repellent on the farm or in the garden.
Onions are a fairly water-intensive commercial crop. These vegetables are solidly within the 'Clean 15' from the Environmental Working Group's 2023 Shopper's Guide, in part because the outer layers are not typically eaten. 'Dry onions' are available year-round, as they can be stored for long periods of time after being dried (or 'cured') to prevent rotting.
In-Season Recipes with Onion
Seasonal recipes featuring Onion right now
7-Layer Salad
Celebrate every gathering with this vibrant, crunchy 7-Layer Salad! Perfectly crisp veggies meet savory bacon and a touch of sweetness for a timeless crowd-pleaser that shines in every season.
Arroz Rojo (Red Rice)
Bring a warm, festive glow to your table with this vibrant Arroz Rojo. Perfectly toasted rice simmered in a savory tomato-garlic broth creates a comforting side dish that celebrates every season.
Aussie BBQ Coleslaw
Celebrate the sun with this vibrant, crunchy slaw that packs a spicy lime punch. It is the ultimate backyard feast companion, bursting with fresh greens and a creamy, zesty kick in every single bite.
Chili Spaghetti
Warm up your kitchen with this zesty Chili Spaghetti, a vibrant fusion of smoky spices and sweet pineapple. It is the ultimate comfort dish to share with loved ones on any chilly evening.
Chinese Vegetable Stock
A rich, aromatic vegetable stock that forms the foundation of Chinese vegetarian cooking. Two traditional variations are provided - one with Chinese preserved dates and buckthorn seeds, and a simpler version with preserved figs and sweet dates.
Ensalada de Repollo (Cabbage Salad)
Celebrate the crunch of every season with this vibrant, zesty cabbage salad! Refreshing radishes and bright lime juice dance with crisp greens to create the perfect festive side for your next gathering.
French Onion Soup
Vegetarian French onion soup with deeply caramelized onions and shallots, red wine, port, and vegetable broth, topped with Gruyère cheese toasts
Hallelujah Lasagna
Celebrate the harvest with our Hallelujah Lasagna, a bubbling masterpiece layered with garden-fresh veggies and savory sausage. This comforting, cheesy delight is a true chorus of flavors for every season.
Japanese Burgers with Wasabi Ketchup
A 'burger steak' made with ground beef, pork, and panko breadcrumbs—incredibly juicy and moist. Served on a plate like a steak with rice, not in a bun.
Mushrooms with Broccoli
A deceptively simple Chinese stir-fry with accessible ingredients. The Chinese love it, and so will you.
PICO DE GALLO
Celebrate the sun-drenched harvest with this vibrant, zesty Pico de Gallo. Each fresh, spicy bite captures the pure joy of summer garden flavors in every colorful spoonful.
Potato Salad with Bacon and Egg
Elevate your next gathering with this creamy potato salad, where crispy bacon and jammy eggs meet a zesty herb-infused dressing. It is the perfect, comforting side dish to celebrate any season at your table.
Sautéed Beet Greens
Transform vibrant beet greens into a celebratory side with crispy shallots and toasted walnuts. This earthy, garlicky sauté brings the garden's best to your table, adding a crunch that truly shines all year.
Yangzhou Fried Rice
Celebrate every season with this vibrant Yangzhou fried rice, where succulent shrimp and crisp peas dance in perfectly seasoned grains. It is a festive, savory bowl that brings pure kitchen joy to your table.
All Other Recipes with Onion
4 recipes featuring Onion
Bell Peppers Stuffed with Rice, Raisins, and Pine Nuts
Celebrate the vibrant Mediterranean harvest with these jewel-toned peppers. Each bite bursts with the perfect harmony of aromatic spices, sweet currants, and toasted pine nuts, all brightened by a creamy garlic yogurt dip.
Scallion Oil
Scallion Oil is less an accompaniment than it is an ingredient. It is used widely in Chinese cooking to excellent advantage.
Sweet Scallion Sauce
A sweet and savory sauce made with scallion oil, perfect for Chinese dishes.
Taco Seasoning Blend
Elevate your fiesta with our vibrant Taceaux blend, featuring a soulful hint of cocoa and bright citrus notes. It is the perfect seasonal companion for turning simple tacos into a festive, spice-kissed celebration.