A Guide to Onions
VARIETY | FLAVOR/APPEARANCE | SERVING SUGGESTIONS | |
---|---|---|---|
Cipolline | Petite, flat, and oval with a purplish skin. Delicately sweet flavor. | Use to season meats and in casseroles, soups, stews, and vegetable dishes. | |
Green (Scallion) | Small bulbous root end with white stalk and dark green leaves. Milder than a mature onion, but stronger than chives. | Use in salads and as a topping or garnish for entrées. | |
Leek | Slightly bulbous root end with thick, white stalk and dark green leaves. Milder flavor and fragrance. | Use in soups and salads. | |
Pearl | About the size of a marble with a white, gold, or purplish skin. Mild, sweet flavor. | Best for roasting and boiling. Use with roasted meats or in soups, stews, and vegetable dishes. | |
Red | Round shape with purplish skin. Bold flavor. | Use on pizzas and salads or in sandwiches. | |
Shallot | Similar in shape to garlic with multiple cloves covered in a thin skin. Mild flavor that is a cross between a sweet onion and garlic. | Use in stews and soups and in fish, meat, and vegetable dishes. | |
Sweet (Vidalia, Texas 1015, Walla Walla) | Round or flat oval shape with a thin, light-colored skin. Sweet, mild flavor. | Use on salads and hamburgers or in sandwiches. | |
White | Round shape with glossy white skin. Bold flavor. | Best for grilling and sautéing. Use for kabobs and in salsas and dips. | |
Yellow | Round shape with golden skin. Savory, rich onion taste. | Use in casseroles, soups, and stews. |