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onion

ProducePeak season varies by region and harvest timing; in the Northern Hemisphere, onions are harvested June through September, with storage extending availability year-round. Certain regions practice spring harvesting of green/scallion onions, while mature bulbs remain available throughout the year in most markets.

Onions are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and prebiotic compounds (inulin). They contain quercetin and other polyphenolic antioxidants, particularly concentrated in the outer layers and red varieties.

About

The onion (Allium cepa) is a bulbous vegetable belonging to the amaryllidaceae family, native to the highlands of Central Asia. The edible bulb consists of concentric layers of modified leaves containing sulfurous compounds responsible for the characteristic pungent aroma and tear-inducing properties when cut. Common varieties include yellow (sweet and mellow), red (slightly sweeter with mild peppery notes), and white onions (sharper, more pungent), each offering distinct flavor profiles and textural qualities. The plant's flavor compounds transform dramatically with cooking—sulphur-containing compounds break down into sweet, caramelized notes through the Maillard reaction.

Yellow onions are the most versatile all-purpose variety in European and North American cuisines, while red onions are preferred for raw preparations due to their milder flavor and visual appeal. Pearl onions and cipollini represent smaller, sweeter cultivars used for specific applications.

Culinary Uses

Onions function as a foundational aromatic base in countless cuisines worldwide. They are sautéed as a primary component in mirepoix (French), soffritto (Italian), and holy trinity preparations (Louisiana Creole), forming the flavor foundation for stocks, soups, stews, and sauces. Caramelized onions develop deep, sweet complexity through prolonged cooking and appear in French onion soup, as a burger topping, and in numerous savory tarts.

Raw onions provide sharp, pungent flavor to fresh salsas, slaws, pickles, and salads. Grilled or roasted onions become tender and develop subtle sweetness, complementing grilled meats and vegetables. Creamed onions, onion relishes, and crispy fried onions represent further preparations across global culinary traditions.

Used In

Recipes Using onion (2,755)

RCI-SF.001.0312.001

Salmon with Black Beans and Mango Mustard Sauce

Purchased from the Davidson Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1987. Date and source unknown. This is very good. I have also made it with trout and chicken. Yummy.

RCI-SP.005.0207.001

Saloonah Laham

Meat stew.

RCI-SC.005.0142.001

Salsa

Quick and Easy Recipe

RCI-SC.005.0144.001

Salsa Cerveza with Tortilla Chips

Makes about 2½ cups

RCI-SC.005.0145.001

Salsa Con Otra Cosas

This salsa “with other things” is a good thing when you add jalapenos and chunky avocados

RCI-SC.005.0148.001

Salsa Fresca

Vegetarian cuisine

RCI-SC.005.0149.001

Salsa Honduras

Salsa Honduras from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0150.001

Salsa I

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Best of Br

RCI-SF.001.0316.001

Salt Codfish Hash with Tomatoes and Garlic

Contributed by alexanderjamesmom@gmail.com <alexanderjamesmom@gmail.com> at

RCI-VG.004.1173.001

Salvadoran Turnovers

Salvadoran Turnovers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0122.001

Sambal Goreng Telo

Eggs in red pepper sauce.

RCI-SP.005.0211.001

Sambar Variation

This recipe is a . Served over steamed rice, it makes for a simple but filling meal.

RCI-SN.005.0056.001

Samboosa

This recipe is for 4 serves.

Samosa
RCI-SN.002.0262.002

Samosa

Deep fried triangle shaped pastry dough stuffed with spicy, minced meat or mashed potato and peas (t

RCI-SP.003.0576.001

Sancocho I

Panamanian chicken soup Serves 5 to 6 people.

RCI-SW.001.0078.001

Sandwich with Boiled Tongue

Sandwich with Boiled Tongue

RCI-SP.004.0271.001

Sanfaina de Conejo

Catalan rabbit dish

RCI-ND.004.0030.001

Saoto (Soto Ayam)

Saoto (Soto Ayam) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1177.001

Sara's Mixed Vegetables

Sara's Mixed Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.005.0049.001

Sardines and Greens Stew

Sardines and Greens Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0188.001

Sarza Criolla

A refreshing topping for carbohydrate and meat-style foods. The South American equivalent of salsa. Sarza Criolla goes well on toast, slabs of boiled potatoes, seafood, meat, rice, tamales, and quesadillas.

RCI-MT.005.0263.001

Sassy Sloppy Joes

Sassy Sloppy Joes

RCI-MT.002.0248.001

Sate Babi

Sate Babi This is what we call a sweet sate and the chili paste that I add does not really belong in this recipe.

RCI-SC.005.0153.001

Sauce Aubergine

Sauce Aubergine from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0318.001

Sauce Claire and Fufu

Sauce Claire and Fufu from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1179.001

Sauce Legume

Sauce Legume from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.004.0036.001

Sauce Pierre

Sauce Pierre from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0154.001

Sauce Pimente for Aloco

Sauce Pimente for Aloco from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1180.001

Saucy Beans

Beans, Great Northern Dry by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe : 4 :

RCI-VG.005.0192.001

Sauerkraut Balls

These are a must for our New Years Celebration. A little work but well worth the effort.

RCI-VG.005.0195.001

Sauerkraut Soup

right|Sauerkraut Soup Serves 4

RCI-VG.004.1182.001

Sauerkraut Soup with Beans

Sauerkraut Soup with Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0198.001

Sauerkraut with Mushrooms

Sauerkraut with Mushrooms from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0250.001

Sausage and Mashers

Sausage and Mashers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0093.001

Sausage and Pepper Heroes

.

RCI-RC.001.0196.001

Sausage, Chicken and Shrimp Paella

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SW.002.0094.001

Sausage Joes

Sausage Joes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0300.001

Sausagemeat Pie

Cuisine of the United Kingdom

RCI-VG.004.1185.001

Sautéed Cabbage

Sautéed Cabbage from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1194.001

Savory Black Bean and Corn Soup

Savory Black Bean and Corn Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.002.0062.001

Savory French Toast

Savory French Toast from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1195.001

Savory Lemon Vegetables

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.005.0202.001

Savory Pork and Sauerkraut

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Poe Estate in Justin, Texas in 1987.

RCI-VG.004.1196.001

Savory Spinach with Tomatoes

Savory Spinach with Tomatoes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1197.001

Savory Tomatoes

Delicious with any red meats. It is just as good served on hot toast. ENJOY!!!

RCI-SP.003.0580.001

Savory Vegetable Soup

This recipe has no fat and is delicious!! enjoy!.

RCI-VG.004.1199.001

Savoy Cabbage Mantua-style

* 4 servings

RCI-SP.005.0213.001

Sayur Lodeh

A popular Indonesian and Malaysian side dish made with a variety of vegetables simmered in a milk coconut milk curry.

RCI-VG.004.1200.001

Sbanikh

Spinach stew

RCI-SP.006.0057.001

Scallion Vichysoisse

This is from a great Cajun Cookbook that a friend loaned to me as well as many other that I have posted on here. I hope that you enjoy them. I love this kind of food.