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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.005.0271.001

Tomatoes stuffed with Vegetables

In Romanian: Rosii umplute cu zarzavat

RCI-DS.005.0048.001

Tomato Jam

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.004.1448.001

Tomato Sauce Great Northern Beans

A hearty side that goes well with white rice

RCI-SP.003.0691.001

Tomato Vegetable Soup

Tomato Vegetable Soup

RCI-ND.002.0150.001

Tom Cruise's Spaghetti Carbonara

Tom Cruise's Spaghetti Carbonara from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0269.001

Tom kha kai

(or tom kha gai) is a Thai soup with the distinct, very Thai flavor of galangal, a rhizome somewhat similar to ginger. means "galangal" in Thai. This version of the soup is made with chicken (kai or gai).

RCI-SC.002.0050.001

Tongue in Sour Cream Sauce

In Romanian: Limba in sos de smantana

RCI-BR.002.0106.001

Tortilla Black Bean Soup

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Barger Estate in Mckinney, Texas in 1997.

RCI-EG.001.0069.001

Tortilla de Plátanos

Plantain omelet

RCI-EG.001.0073.001

Tortilla Española

A , or Spanish omelette, is a mixture of fried potatoes and onions set in eggs, fried to make a dish somewhat akin to a quiche which may be eaten like a pizza.

RCI-SP.003.0693.001

Tortilla Soup

Tortilla Soup is a fantastic Mexican inspired soup.

RCI-SC.003.0203.001

Tote-Along Dressing

Tote-Along Dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0349.001

Tourte à la Lorraine

Tourte à la Lorraine is an elaborate meat pie with a pâte brisée (pie dough) base and a puff pastry top which is baked.

RCI-BR.006.0350.001

Tourtière

Try serving the filling hot with potatoes or toast, or with a breadcrumb topping, or serve in a home made tortilla.

RCI-RC.002.0038.001

Traditional Italian Risotto

Traditional Italian Risotto

RCI-ND.002.0152.001

Traditional Lasagne

Traditional Lasagne from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0624.001

Traditional Salad of Cyprus

(Χωριάτικη σαλάτα) is a salad that can be served together with most foods in Cyprus.

RCI-RC.001.0224.001

Traditional Saudi Kabssah

You can ask any arabian about this Kabssah and everyone will say Saudis can't live with out it. I mean if there is a Saudi lady that does't know how to make it then that would be a very Weird thing.

RCI-VG.001.0626.001

Trini Cole Slaw

Serves: accordingly Prep Time: 7-10 minutes Occasion: Any Effort: Easy

RCI-SP.003.0698.001

Trinidad Corn Soup

Trinidad Corn Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0272.001

Trinidad Curry Chicken

Trinidad Curry Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0273.001

Trinidad Curry Paste

Trinidad Curry Paste from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0330.001

Trinidad Pepper Sauce

Trinidad Pepper Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0312.001

Tripe Stew

In Romanian: Tuslama de burta

RCI-MT.004.0812.001

Tropical Island Chicken

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of H

RCI-SC.005.0184.001

Tropical Mango Salsa

Tropical Mango Salsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0814.001

Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens

Makes 6 to 8 servings

RCI-SF.001.0377.001

Trout or Bass in Beer Sauce

Trout or Bass in Beer Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1457.001

Tsebhi Birsen

Tsebhi Birsen from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0308.001

Tuna Cashew Salad

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SF.001.0382.001

Tuna Creole Skillet

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SF.001.0383.001

Tuna Crunch Salad

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * 6 Servings

RCI-SP.005.0277.002

Tuna Curry

Curry

RCI-SP.005.0277.001

Tuna Curry

Curry

RCI-SW.001.0102.001

Tuna Melt Sandwich

Chunk Light Tuna in Water, Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 10

RCI-ND.002.0153.001

Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

RCI-BR.006.0353.001

Tuna Rice Quiche

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SF.001.0388.001

Tuna Salad

Salad Recipes

RCI-SW.002.0115.001

Tuna Sandwich Melts

Makes 4 sandwiches

RCI-SN.001.0419.001

Tuna Snack

Serve 4.

RCI-SC.004.0048.001

Tuna-Tomato Combo

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.006.0138.001

Tunisian Couscous with Fennel, Red Peppers and Garlic

Tunisian couscous with fennel, red peppers and garlic

RCI-EG.003.0151.001

Tunisian Eggs and Peppers

Tunisian eggs and peppers. Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SF.005.0068.001

Tunisian Fish-and-Vegetable Stew

Tunisian Fish-and-Vegetable Stew

RCI-SN.001.0420.001

Tunisian Hot Vegetable Dip

This recipe is easily prepared on the grill and can be served as a relish, dip, or spread. As might be expected, it can also be served with a flat, unleavened bread such as pita.

RCI-MT.005.0318.001

Tunisian meatballs

Tunisian meatballs

RCI-MT.005.0319.001

Tunisian meat pie

Tunisian meat pie

RCI-VG.004.1461.001

Tunisian-Style Greens and Beans

Tunisian-Style Greens and beans

RCI-VG.004.1462.001

Tunisian Tomato Soup with

yield 6 servigs

RCI-VG.004.1463.001

Tunisian tomato soup with chickpeas and lentils

Tunisian tomato soup with Chickpeas and Lentils