Onions are added as a base to many dishes because of their sweet and earthy flavor. However, the taste depends on the variety of onions. Scallion is the most popular onion type as it has a crunchy and juicy taste, perfect for layering onto recipes.
Other types of onions have a milder taste when they are cooked. After cooking, onions get tender and sweeter. Some other types of onions can be eaten raw because of their super sweet and crisp nature. Uncooked onions usually have a sharp and pungent odor.
What is an onion?
Onions belong to the family of plants called Allium. Onions differ in shape, size, and color. The most common types of onions are yellow and white. China is the largest producer of onions.
Onions have numerous medicinal benefits, as it helps with cancer prevention, maintains skin and hair health. In addition, they are available all-around round, as they can grow in large areas.
Some of the most famous types of onion are:
• Scallions: Scallions have white bulbs at the bottom with dark green tops. They have a mild taste and can be eaten in raw form.
• Spring onions: Spring onions resemble in both taste and appearance with Scallion. They are red, white and yellow. Spring onions have thin skin and a mild flavor.
• Vidalias: Vidalias are red and yellow onions found mostly in Georgia. • Ramps: These have a similar taste to garlic. Ramps have bright green leaves at the top. They grow in Appalachia and Quebec.
How to store onions
The place you’re using to store onions should be ventilated and dry. Peeled onions can be kept in a refrigerator.
The refrigerated onions can last for 10-14 days whereas, sliced onions can last for 7-10 days. If you want to store them for a longer time, freeze them in an airtight jar. Frozen onions can last for three months.
How do you know if onions have gone bad
There are three main ways to check if your onions have gone bad: color, feel, and smell.
If you notice any dark spores on the surface of the onions, that means they have started to grow mold. You can also touch the surface to feel the texture. If it feels mushy or soft, it is not safe to eat.
Dishes with Onion
Following are the dishes that you can try with onions:
• Classic French onion soup – take two tablespoons of butter and add onions to it. Stir for 2 minutes and add wine. Cook until the liquid is thickened. Add seasoning of your own choice and cook it on low flame for an hour. Bake baguette slices in the oven for 3-4 minutes and serve the soup hot.
• Creamed pearl onions – boil pearl onions for 6 to 7 minutes and drain out the water. Take a pan, add melted butter, flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cream and milk. Cook until the sauce gets thickened. Add in parsley, onion, and cheese. Cook it again for 5-6 minutes and allow it to cool down. Refrigerate it overnight, and before serving the dish, bake it for 15 minutes.
• Baked Vidalia onions – take 2 Vidalia onions and open them from the center. Add butter to the center of onions, sprinkle salt and pepper. Wrap the onions in foil paper and bake it for 60 minutes.
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