How to cook Onions

There are a few types of onions. Brown onions are full of flavour and are the most commonly used, while red onions have a slightly softer flavour and are a good choice for grilling and roasting. White onions are sweeter and often used in salads.

Onions are the basis of loads of delicious dishes, and you can really take them in any direction: blitz up with ginger and garlic for the base of a flavourful curry or soup; finely dice and fry with carrot and celery to make a soffrito; or you could even roast whole onions with a pork or lamb shoulder for a sweet umami hit.

HOW TO CHOP AN ONION

READ: Canada Day recipe: Beer-caramelised onion & bacon pizza

WHAT ARE ONIONS?

Onions and garlic are vegetables from the same allium plant family. We mostly eat the bulbs, although the leaves of some species, such as chives and wild garlic, are also tasty. It’s well known that when you cut onions, they make you cry. This is because the knife slices through the plant’s cells, releasing sulphur compounds that react with the air and irritate your eyes.

WHEN ARE ONIONS IN SEASON?

Onions are available all year round.

HOW TO STORE ONIONS

Store onions in a cool, dark place.

What are the health benefits?

One medium onion of any colour counts as one of your 5-a-day.