Fascinating Facts - Onions
- Onions came in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes.
- Onion bulbs grow underground and the green tops above ground.
- Onions also come in three colors — yellow, red, and white. Approximately 88 percent of the onion crop is devoted to yellow onion production, with about 7 percent red onions and 5 percent white onions.
- Yellow onions are full-flavored and are a reliable standby for cooking almost anything. Yellow onions turn a rich, dark brown when cooked and give French Onion Soup its tangy sweet flavor.
- The red onion, with its wonderful color, is a good choice for fresh uses or in grilling and char-broiling.
- White onions are the traditional onion used in classic Mexican cuisine. They have a golden color and sweet flavor when sautéed.
- Onions not only provide flavor; they also provide health-promoting phytochemicals as well as nutrients.
- Various varieties are available but look for onions that are firm and not soft when pressed.
- Onions should smell mild, even if their flavor is not. Avoid selecting onions with green areas or dark patches.
- Store in a dark, dry place. If grown in abundance, they can be stored bunched together in a well ventilated place.