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Red Onion

The red onion, also known as Allium cepa, is a popular variety of onion known for its striking purple-red hue and mild, sweet flavor. Red onions are native to Asia, but have gained popularity across the world for their culinary versatility, adding a colorful flair and zesty taste to a wide range of dishes. Red onions are primarily eaten raw and often used in salads, sandwiches, and salsas, as their mild flavor complements other ingredients without overpowering them. They can also be cooked or grilled, caramelizing their natural sugars and transforming their taste into a mellow sweetness.
#21
IN FRESH VEGETABLES
30
CAL / 100G
$0.06
AVG / OZ
red onion
91%
CARBS
0%
FAT
9%
PROTEIN
Red Onion FAQ
Red onions, with their vibrant colour and unique flavour, add a zest that enhances the taste and appeal of many dishes. When cooking with them, people tend to use them interchangeably with other onion types, but their mild, sweet flavour sets them apart. A common mistake is overcooking red onions which can make them lose their bright colour and mellow sweetness. To get the most out of red onions, use them raw in salads, sandwiches, and salsas to add a touch of colour and a mildly sweet crunch. If you're cooking them, use a lower heat to caramelise their natural sugars slowly, enhancing their inherent sweetness. When it comes to peeling red onions, an essential tip is to cut off the top, keep the root end intact and make a small, shallow slit along the side. This way, it's easy to peel off the outer layer without reducing the whole onion to tears. Another great tip is to soak red onions in cold water before chopping to reduce their pungency and make them more palatable in raw dishes.
What's the best way to chop a red onion?
Are red onions stronger than yellow onions?
Can I use red onions in place of white onions?
How to reduce the sharpness of raw red onion?
Can red onions be cooked?
Do red onions turn sweet when cooked?
Is there a specific way to store cut red onions?
How to cut red onions without tearing up?
Can red onions be roasted?
Can red onions be pickled?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does red onion expire?
Unopened and stored in pantry: about 2 to 3 months. If stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to 8 months. Once it has been cut, it should be eaten within 7 to 10 days if refrigerated. Date on package: N/A as onions are typically not sold with an expiration date. Frozen chunks of red onion can last 6 to 8 months.
How do you tell if red onion is bad?
A bad onion can be recognized by its overly soft texture and sour, unpleasant smell. As they begin to go bad, onions may start to feel lightweight, appear darker in color, and develop a moldy, black consistency inside. Once cut, if the inner layers of the onion have turned a yellow or brownish color, or it gives off an unpleasant or sour odor, this is a sure sign it's spoiled.
Tips for storing red onion to extend shelf life
• Always store onions in a cool, dark place. • If you're storing cut onions, make sure to store them in a sealed container to prevent the refrigerator from absorbing their strong odors. • Avoid storing onions near potatoes or other fruits and vegetables as they can speed up the spoiling process. • Consider storing onions in a mesh bag. This allows air circulation and helps to keep them fresh longer. • If you use part of an onion, don't remove the skin from the rest before storing it. The outer layers of an onion keep it protected, which can lengthen its shelf life.
EXPIRES WITHIN
7 - 10
WEEKS
Health Info
Macros
10g
CARBS
0g
FAT
1g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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