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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-VG.005.0230.001

Stuffed Eggplant

Fruit & Vegetable of the Month: Eggplant by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-EG.004.0066.001

Stuffed Eggs with Sour Cream Sauce I

In Romanian: Oua umplute cu sos de smantana I

RCI-EG.004.0067.001

Stuffed Eggs with Sour Cream Sauce II

In Romanian: Oua umplute cu sos de smantana II

RCI-VG.005.0231.001

Stuffed Green Peppers

Stuffed green peppers are a quick and easy dish.

RCI-VG.005.0232.001

Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.005.0292.001

Stuffed Meatballs

Stuffed Meatballs Very versatile recipe. Use which ever mince you prefer and what stuffing you like. make them big or small. Have with pasta and sauce or put into ciabatta bread as a quick and tasty sandwich.

RCI-SN.003.0259.001

Stuffed Mushrooms Parmesana

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-MT.003.0096.001

Stuffed Partridges

In Romanian: Potirnichi umplute

RCI-VG.005.0240.001

Stuffed peppers

Makes 6 Servings

RCI-VG.005.0241.001

Stuffed Peppers

Makes 6 Servings

RCI-VG.004.1361.001

Stuffed Peppers Cajun-style

Contributed by SF&SC Y-Group.

RCI-VG.005.0243.001

Stuffed Piquillo Peppers

Serves 6 Stuffed Piquillo Peppers

RCI-SF.001.0355.001

Stuffed Sazan

Stuffed Sazan from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0247.001

Stuffed Tomatoes

Cooked with water or broth, amaranth releases a starch that creates a "sauce" similar to grits. It m

RCI-SP.005.0245.001

Stuffed Tomatoes with Paneer and Vegetables

Colourful, tempting and tasty.

RCI-VG.004.1362.001

Stuffing

Stuffing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1363.001

Stuffin Nut Stovetop Stuffing

Serves 2 – 4

RCI-SF.002.0294.001

Suan Yong La Jiao Chao Xie

Fried crab with mashed garlic and red pepper

RCI-MT.002.0288.001

Suckling Pig stuffed with Organs

In Romanian: Purcel de lapte umplut cu maruntaie

RCI-SC.004.0043.001

Sudanese Meat Sauce

This ia very delicions sauce made with meat. Serve with kisra.

RCI-RC.002.0036.001

Summer Vegetable Risotto

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RCI-VG.004.1371.001

Summer Vegetable Saute

Summer Vegetable Saute from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resourceServes: 4

RCI-RC.004.0293.001

Summer Vegetable Skillet

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.005.0246.001

Sundubu Chigae

Also known as soft tofu soup. This recipe is for 4-6 servings. Preparation: 60 minutes.

RCI-VG.002.0181.001

Sunny Potato Salad

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6

RCI-VG.001.0588.001

Superb Coleslaw

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-RC.001.0217.001

Superbowl M.V.P. (Most Valuable Paella)

Makes 8 servings

RCI-SP.003.0657.001

Superbowl Texas-style Chili

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-SP.003.0658.001

Superbowl White Chili

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-SP.001.0135.001

Superior Broth

Superior Broth from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0111.001

Super Simple Sliders

Super Simple Sliders from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0141.001

Super Simple Spinach Soufflé

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-ND.006.0073.001

Supper Casserole

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-BR.006.0333.001

Suriname Chicken Pie

Suriname Chicken Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0589.001

Surprise Salad

6 servings Sauerkraut

RCI-MT.001.0274.001

Swedish Beef Roast

Swedish Beef Roast

RCI-SN.005.0062.001

Swedish Kroppkakor

Swedish kroppkakor

RCI-MT.005.0293.001

Swedish Meatballs

All recipes are based on the following basic, or minimum, recipe for Swedish meatballs; Servings: 4, Time: 30 minutes

RCI-MT.005.0294.001

Swedish Meatballs I

* Source: Forbidden Foods Diabetic Cooking *

RCI-MT.005.0296.001

Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Swedish Meatballs or köttbullar are a classic dish from Sweden, characterized by a mixture of beef and pork with strong spicing, usually involving allspice, and served in a heavy gravy that lands somewhere on the spectrum between American beef gravy and country-style white gravy.

RCI-MT.002.0289.001

Swedish Pea Soup

Swedish Pea Soup

RCI-VG.005.0253.001

Swedish Steak Tartare

Swedish Steak Tartare

RCI-VG.004.1381.001

Sweet and Sour Onions

Yield: 4 - 6 servings

RCI-MT.002.0290.001

Sweet and Sour Pork

A TNT recipe.

RCI-MT.002.0291.001

Sweet and Sour Pork with Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.1382.001

Sweet and Sour Seitan

This is a tasty vegetarian version of a Chinese classic. You won't even be able to tell it isn't Chicken! seitan is made from Wheat gluten and is very high in protein and low in fat. " Original recipe yield: 4 servings.

RCI-VG.004.1383.001

Sweet and Sour Vegetables

Servings: 6 Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Serve over rice or other whole grains.

RCI-SP.005.0247.001

Sweet Pea Soup

Sweet Pea Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0661.001

Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet Potato Soup from the Public Domain Cookbook -- original source of recipe, taken from government resource in the public domain Serves: 8

RCI-VG.001.0592.001

Sweet Sour Cucumber Salad

It really is very beautiful to look at, not to mention eat! Perfect with Indonesian and Thai dishes.