13 Types of Onions You Never Knew Were a Thing
Onions are a staple in almost every kitchen around the world. They are well-known for their distinct flavor and aroma, adding depth to any dish. While yellow, white, and red onions may be the most commonly used, there are many more types of onions you probably never knew existed. Here are other types of onions.
Vidalia Onion
Vidalia onions, renowned for their sweet and mild taste, are distinct varieties cultivated exclusively in Georgia, USA. These onions have a unique flavor profile characterized by a high sugar content and a low sulfur level. They offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess, making them ideal for raw consumption in refreshing salads or as a flavorful topping on sandwiches.
Walla Walla Onion
Walla Walla onions originated from Corsica, France. This onion variety has a yellow skin and white flesh, with a sweet and juicy taste. It is one of the largest onions in the world, with an average diameter of 4-5 inches. Due to its mild flavor, it is a preferred choice for raw consumption in salads and sandwiches. Walla Walla onions are available during summer, perfect for outdoor grilling.
Maui Onion
Maui onion is grown exclusively on the Hawaiian island of Maui. It has a crisp texture and a sweet flavor. With a pale golden skin and white flesh, Maui onions are often described as mild, with less pungency than other onions. They add a delightful sweetness to any dish and can be used in raw and cooked preparations.
Cipollini Onion
Cipollini onions originated in Italy and are known for their small, flat shape and slightly sweet taste. They have a thin skin that is easy to peel and a crisp texture when cooked. Cipollini onions are often used in roasting, grilling, or caramelizing due to their high sugar content.
Pearl Onion
Pearl onions refer to any onion harvested before it reaches its full size. They are typically smaller than other onions and have a round, pearl-like shape, hence the name. These onions have a milder flavor and are usually pickled or used in dishes that require small, bite-sized pieces.
Egyptian Onions
Also known as tree onions or walking onions, Egyptian onions are a unique variety that produces bulblets on top of the plant instead of underground. The bulblets can be harvested and used in cooking like regular onions, while the greens can also be eaten raw or cooked. These onions have a strong flavor and are commonly used in stews and soups.
Welsh Onions
Welsh onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, have a mild flavor and long green stalks. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine but have gained worldwide popularity due to their delicate flavor and versatility. Welsh onions can be eaten cooked or raw and work well in stir-fries, soups, salads, and more.
Red Spring Onions
Red spring onions, also known as red scallions or bunching onions, are a beautiful and flavorful addition to any dish. They have long green stalks with small round bulbs at the bottom, giving them a striking appearance. These onions have a mild yet distinct taste that adds color and flavor to salads and stir-fries.
Ramps
Ramps, also known as wild leeks, grow in the wild and have a short season. They have long green leaves and small white bulbs, with a taste similar to garlic and onions combined. Ramps are highly prized for their unique flavor and are often pickled or used in dishes that require a strong onion-garlic flavor.
Shallots
Shallots have a milder taste and sweeter flavor. They have reddish-brown skin with purplish-pink flesh and are commonly used in French cuisine. Shallots can be used raw or cooked, adding depth to sauces, dressings, and marinades.
Leeks
Leeks are a versatile onion with a subtle flavor and a hint of sweetness. They have long white stalks and green leaves that taste milder than regular onions. In many dishes, leeks can be used in soups, stews, casseroles, and even as a substitute for onions.
Chives
Chives, with their long, thin green stalks and delicate onion flavor, are a versatile herb that adds a touch of freshness to various dishes. These slender green herbs make a delightful garnish on soups, salads, and mashed potatoes, adding a pop of color and a subtle hint of oniony goodness.
Rosa Lunga di Tropea Onions
Rosa Lunga di Tropea onions are a unique variety from the coastal town of Tropea in Italy. These elongated red onions have a sweet and delicate flavor, slightly crunchy when raw. They are commonly used in Italian cuisine, particularly in salads and sauces.
