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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-SP.005.0239.001

Sri Lanka Annasi

Sri Lanka Annasi Pineapple curry

RCI-SP.005.0241.001

Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew

Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0252.001

Sri Lanka Bistake Beef Steak Saute with Onion

Sri Lanka Bistake Beef Steak Saute with Onion from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0244.001

Sri Lankan Peegudhu

Liver curry

RCI-MT.002.0280.001

Sri Lanka Uru Mus Roast (Roast Pork)

Sri Lanka Uru Mus Roast (Roast Pork) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1332.001

Standard black beans

Standard black beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0317.001

Steak and Ale Pie

Steak and Ale Pie

RCI-BR.006.0319.001

Steak and Kidney Pie

Steak and Kidney Pie

RCI-MT.001.0254.001

Steak and Mushrooms

Steak and Mushrooms from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0255.002

Steak and Peppers

This is a simple dish to throw together with leftover meat. I use frozen vegetarian steak strips, though sliced seitan, seared flank steak or any other protein would probably work.

RCI-MT.001.0258.001

Steak Cosmopolitan

Steak Cosmopolitan Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.001.0261.001

Steak Madeira with Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-ND.001.0117.001

Steak Pizzaiola with Salad, Bread and Pasta

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings o

RCI-SC.007.0301.001

Steak Sauce

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: my old rec

RCI-MT.005.0287.001

Steaks Continental

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.005.0288.001

Steam Burgers

Makes about 16 sandwiches

RCI-VG.004.1338.001

Steamed Callaloo

Steamed Callaloo from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0343.001

Steamed Fish and Spinach

Steamed Fish and Spinach from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.003.0093.001

Steamed Lamb with Cabbage

Steamed Lamb with Cabbage from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0348.001

Steiktar Heilagfiski

Baked halibut Steiktar Heilagfiski

RCI-VG.003.0109.001

Stewed Beans

Snack & Pack, this recipe is fast and tasting as it should be ! Enjoy !

RCI-SP.004.0285.001

Stewed Beef in Coconut milk

Stewed Beef in Coconut milk from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1343.001

Stewed Black Beans

Stewed Black Beans

RCI-SP.004.0286.001

Stewed Chicken in Coconut Milk

Stewed Chicken in Coconut Milk from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0349.001

Stewed Fish

Stewed Fish from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0288.001

Stewed Frying Chicken with Mushrooms

Serves 4 to 6 Cooking time: 1½ hours

RCI-MT.003.0094.001

Stewed Lamb Chops

Stewed Lamb Chops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0350.001

Stewed Paua

4 servings Stewed Paua

RCI-SP.004.0291.001

Stewed Rabbit

300px| Stewed Rabbit Serves 4.

RCI-SN.001.0371.001

Stinging Scorpion Guacamole

Bite into this mixture with Onion, garlic, and a threesome of hot sauces - and it’ll bite you back!

RCI-VG.001.0574.001

Stir-fried Beef Salad I

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

RCI-VG.004.1348.001

Stir-fried Broccoli and Carrots

This colorful side dish is packed with flavor and good nutrition.

RCI-MT.004.0772.001

Stir-fried Chicken Cantonese

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.1349.001

Stir-fried Chinese Cabbage and Dried Shrimp

Stir-fried Chinese Cabbage and Dried Shrimp from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1350.001

Stir-fried Corn with Cumin and Coriander

Stir-Fried Corn with Cumin and Coriander from the Public Health Cookbook—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4

RCI-SF.002.0289.001

Stir-fried Crawfish with Rice

Seafood Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6

RCI-RC.004.0291.001

Stir-fried Rice Salad

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.1359.001

Stroganoff Tofu

Stroganoff Tofu from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0217.001

Stuffed Acorn Squash I

Stuffed Acorn Squash I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0218.001

Stuffed Artichokes

Tangy sun-dried tomatoes add flair to a stuffing flavored with garlic, celery, onion, oregano, parsley and thyme. Try using sprouted spelt bread in this delicious stuffing that pairs perfectly with the distinctive flavor of artichoke.

RCI-SN.003.0256.001

Stuffed Avocados

Avocados

RCI-SF.001.0352.001

Stuffed Bass

Stuffed Bass from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0289.001

Stuffed Burgers

Stuffed burgers are gaining popularity because you don't really know what you're gonna bite down on. Stuffing? Meat?

RCI-VG.005.0223.001

Stuffed Cabbage

6 servings Stuffed Cabbage

RCI-SP.004.0294.001

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0775.001

Stuffed Chicken

Stuffed Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0781.001

Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0783.001

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SF.002.0292.001

Stuffed Crab (Crab Pâté)

Stuffed Crab (Crab Pâté) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0293.001

Stuffed crabs and gratin of chayotes

Stuffed crabs and gratin of chayotes from the Recidemia collection