Onions are an indispensable flavour base in the kitchen and have been eaten by people for thousands of years. This versatile vegetable belongs to the allium family, just like garlic, leek and chives. Thanks to their rich flavour, onions are suitable both as a base for dishes and as the main ingredient in recipes such as classic onion soup.
Types of onions There are several types of onions, each with its own flavour and culinary use:
White onion
Yellow onion
Red onion
Silver onion
Shallots
Other plants also belong to the onion family, such as chives, spring onions, garlic and the Spanish calçot. This variety makes onions one of the most versatile crops in the kitchen.
Buying and storing When buying onions, look for firm specimens with a dry, smooth skin. Avoid onions with soft spots or mould.
Store onions in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place, such as a pantry. Stored this way, onions will keep for several weeks to months. Note: do not store onions next to potatoes, as they cause each other to spoil more quickly.
In the kitchen Onions are suitable for countless dishes, from simple stir-fries to elaborate soups and sauces. Some popular uses include:
Onion soup
Caramelising
Raw
When cutting onions, it helps to use a sharp knife and cut the onion in half first. This prevents the volatile oils that cause tears from being released too quickly.
Delicious recipes with onion
Pickled red onions
These pickled red onions get a flavourful twist from the addition of mustard and coriander seeds. Perfect as a fresh topping for salads, sandwiches or grilled dishes.
