sweet onion

Sweet Onion

Sweet onions are a mild and versatile variety of onion, celebrated for their naturally high sugar content which gives them a uniquely sweet flavor. Unlike their pungent cousins, sweet onions have a lower sulfur content, resulting in a less sharp, more palatable taste that's enjoyable raw or cooked. They're typically larger and rounder than yellow onions with a lighter, thinner skin. Discover the best sweet onions for grilling, baking, or adding a delicate sweetness to your favorite dishes; find out where to buy fresh sweet onions and explore easy sweet onion recipes for everyday cooking.

Common Uses

  • Enhancing Salads with Sweet Onion: Add thinly sliced sweet onion to salads for a mild, sweet bite that complements crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy vinaigrettes. The sweetness balances other flavors and adds a delightful crunch. Use sweet onions raw in salads to retain their unique flavor.
  • Caramelizing Sweet Onions for a Savory-Sweet Topping: Caramelize sweet onions slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sugars, creating a rich, sweet, and savory topping for burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, or even grilled meats. The long cooking time mellows the onion flavor and creates a deep, complex taste.
  • Grilling Sweet Onions for a Smoky Flavor: Grill thick slices of sweet onion until tender and slightly charred, resulting in a smoky-sweet flavor perfect for pairing with grilled steak, chicken, or vegetables. Grilling enhances their sweetness and adds a wonderful smoky aroma.
  • Baking Sweet Onion into Savory Tarts and Quiches: Incorporate sautéed sweet onions into savory tarts and quiches, adding a creamy sweetness that complements cheeses, eggs, and herbs. The gentle flavor of sweet onions prevents them from overpowering other ingredients and creates a well-balanced dish.
  • Making Sweet Onion Relish for Sandwiches and Appetizers: Create a homemade sweet onion relish by dicing and cooking sweet onions with vinegar, sugar, and spices. This relish provides a sweet, tangy, and crunchy topping for sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, or served as an appetizer with crackers and cheese.
  • Using Sweet Onion in French Onion Soup for Extra Sweetness: Substitute traditional onions with sweet onions in French onion soup to give the classic dish a milder and sweeter flavor profile. The gentle sweetness complements the rich beef broth and melted cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful soup.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

40.0kcal (2%)

Protein

1.1g (2.2%)

Carbs

9.3g (3.38%)

Sugars

4.2g (8.4%)

Healthy Fat

0.1g

Unhealthy Fat

0.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • May support heart health due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Good source of Vitamin C, boosting the immune system.
  • Can aid in digestion due to its fiber content.
  • Contains compounds that may help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Rich in prebiotics, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
  • May contribute to bone health through its mineral content.

Storage Tips

Sweet onions are best stored in a cool, dark, and dry place with good ventilation, such as a pantry or unheated garage. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can cause them to soften and spoil more quickly. To prevent bruising and premature spoilage, store them individually, wrapped in paper towels or pantyhose, to maximize their shelf life. Whole sweet onions typically last for 1-2 months when stored properly. Once cut, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

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