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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.005.0061.001

Soupa Nisiotiki

Island Soup Cooking Time: 40 minutes.

RCI-VG.004.1261.001

Soup Cream of Dried Beans

Soup Cream of Dried Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0618.001

Soup du Jour

Soup du Jour from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0198.001

Soupe Giraumon

Haitian pumpkin soup.

RCI-SC.003.0178.001

Souper Tomato Dressing

Soup, Tomato, Canned, Condensed by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 32

RCI-SP.003.0620.001

Soup with Plantain Balls

Soup with Plantain Balls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0548.001

Sour Cream Cole Slaw

Sour Cream Cole Slaw from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0625.001

Sour Soup with Chicken

In Romanian: Borş de pui

RCI-VG.004.1264.001

Sour Soup with Dry Beans

In Romanian: Borş de fasole boabe

RCI-SP.003.0626.001

Sour Soup with Fish and Sauerkraut Liquid

In Romanian: Ciorba de peste cu zeama de varza

RCI-VG.004.1265.001

Sour Soup with Green Beans

Sour Soup with Green Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1266.001

Sour Soup with Green Beans I

In Romanian: Borş de fasole verde I

RCI-VG.004.1267.001

Sour Soup with Green Beans II

In Romanian: Bors de fasole verde II

RCI-SP.003.0628.001

Sour Soup with Lamb

Sour Soup with Lamb from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0630.001

Sour Soup with Veal

In Romanian: Bors de vitel

RCI-MT.002.0270.001

SOUSE

SOUSE from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0133.001

Southeast Asian Miso Soup

Southeast Asian Miso Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.003.0106.001

Southern Beef and Beans Casserole

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.002.0201.001

Southern Clam Chowder

Southern cuisine (USA) Seafood recipes

RCI-VG.001.0549.001

Southern Cole Slaw

This can be made in a food processor or with a shredder. Best made in food processor.

RCI-ND.006.0071.001

Southwestern Casserole

Southwestern Casserole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0633.001

Southwestern Chili

Southwestern Chili from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0105.001

Southwestern Sloppy Joes

Original recipe Source: Diabetic Cooking Magazine Submitted by: dlife 9 Servings

RCI-SP.003.0634.001

Southwestern Stew on Soft Polenta

Southwestern Stew on Soft Polenta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0636.001

Southwestern Vegetable Stew

.

RCI-ND.001.0104.001

Southwest Pasta

Pasta tossed with spices and vegetables from the Southwest United States.

RCI-VG.004.1282.001

Soybean-Lentil-Rice Loaf

Soybean-Lentil-Rice Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0637.001

Soy Minestrone

Soy Minestrone from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0202.001

Soynut Cilantro Rice Pilaf

Soynut Cilantro Rice Pilaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0105.001

Soy Supper

Yield: 4 servings

RCI-ND.005.0151.001

Spaetzle with Fennel

Spaetzle with Fennel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0107.001

Spaghetti alla Putanesca

Spaghetti alla Putanesca from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.001.0060.001

Spaghetti, Artichoke Heart and Zucchini Frittata

This frittata makes great use of leftover pasta. Toss in any vegetables you have on hand: thin, fresh asparagus cut into small pieces is especially nice.

RCI-VG.001.0553.001

Spaghetti Salad

Spaghetti Salad

RCI-SC.007.0288.001

SPAGHETTI SEASONING

SPAGHETTI SEASONING from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0638.001

Spaghetti Squash Soup

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-ND.001.0112.001

Spaghetti with Herb Sauce

Spaghetti with Herb Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0113.001

Spaghetti with Spring Vegetables

Spaghetti with Spring Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0115.001

Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce

This is way too high in carbs... So try your favorite healhty/low carb pasta or better yet try Spaghetti Squash!

Spanakopita
RCI-BR.006.0309.001

Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a Greek spinach pie. This recipe serves 8. 250 px|a slice of Spanakopita.

RCI-RC.006.0119.001

Spanish Bulgur

Bulgur (cracked wheat), garbanzos (chick peas) and soy nuts combine to provide complete protein which tastes as good or even better than Spanish rice. Makes 8 cups.

RCI-RC.001.0203.001

Spanish Catfish Paella

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-VG.004.1287.001

Spanish Cocido

This is a traditional Madrid style stew. You can cook this quicker at a higher temperature, but it really is worth cooking it slower to get the Beef very tender.

RCI-EG.001.0061.002

Spanish Omelet

The Spanish tortilla is one of the best-known Spanish dishes, and it would be very rare to find a tapas bar that does not offer the Spanish tortilla.

RCI-RC.001.0204.001

Spanish Paella

Fruits and Veggies Matter, Adult Recipe Cards by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—public domain government resource This Spanish-inspired rice dish includes shrimp and lots of vegetables.

RCI-RC.006.0120.001

Spanish Quinoa

This recipe comes from Eden Organic Foods.

RCI-RC.004.0275.001

Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0121.001

Spanish Rice and Ham

Spanish Rice and Ham from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0206.001

Spanish Rice Bake

Tomatoes Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-RC.001.0207.001

Spanish Rice I

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is