12 Varieties Of Onion (Common Types Of Onions)

Onion is a common ingredient in cooking, especially Indian cuisine.
There are 12 varieties of onions, each with its own unique taste and texture.
Which ones should you try?

Onions come from the Allium genus, which also includes garlic, leeks, shallots, chives, and scallions.
They are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
The onion family has been cultivated since ancient times.

Onions are versatile ingredients that can be cooked or eaten raw.
They can be added to soups, stews, salads, sandwiches, and even pizza.
Some types of onions are sweeter than others, so they can be used interchangeably

Varieties of onions

Onion varieties are classified into two groups; sweet and hot. Sweet onions are mild in flavor and are generally used raw in salads and sandwiches. Hot onions are usually cooked and eaten as part of a meal.
Sweet onions
There are many different types of sweet onions, but the three main varieties are white, yellow and red. White onions are mild in flavor, while yellow onions are sweeter and have a stronger taste. Red onions are the largest and strongest tasting of the three.

Scallions

Scallion also known as green onion is a type of onion that is popularly used as a garnish in Asian cuisine. It is typically chopped and added to dishes such as soups, stir-fries, salads, and other savory dishes. In addition to being used as a garnish, scallions are sometimes served whole and sliced thinly.

Spanish Onions

Scallions are not onions but rather leeks. They are similar in appearance to garlic cloves but smaller. They are usually white in color and have a mild flavor. They are generally sold in bunches of three or five.

Pearl Onions

Pearl onions are actually a type of scallion. They are very similar to regular scallions except that they are larger and have a smoother texture. They are available year round and are used mostly in Asian dishes.

Vidalia Onions

Vidalia onions are grown in Georgia and are known for their sweet flavor and aroma. They are usually found in supermarkets during the summer months. They are also called “sweet onions” because of the sweetness of their flavor.

Leeks

Leeks are members of the onion family and are used in many different cuisines around the world. They are available year round but peak season is from May to September. They are harvested when the leek is about 2 inches long and the leaves are still green.

Redwing Onions

Redwing onions are a type of onion grown primarily in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States. The red color comes from a pigment called anthocyanin, which gives these onions their characteristic appearance. Redwing onions are usually smaller than other varieties of onions, ranging in size from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch across. They are mild in flavor and very versatile. They are excellent raw in salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. They are great sautéed or roasted. They are also good pickled.

Chives

Chives are a member of the onion family Allium and are native to Europe. They are used in many cuisines around the world. In the United States, chives are most popular in the Northeast and Midwestern states. Chives are available year round but peak during the spring and summer months. Chives are easy to grow and maintain. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Chives are harvested after flowering and before seed formation.

Shallots

Shallots are members of the onion family Allioceae. They are native to Eurasia and North Africa. Shallots are widely cultivated throughout the world. They are grown commercially in China, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam. Shallots are available year round but are most abundant from October to May.

White Onions

Onions are members of the lily family Liliaceae. They are native to Europe and Asia. Onions are widely cultivated throughout the globe. They are grown commercially throughout the world. Onions are available year round however are most plentiful from April to June.

Red Onions

Red onions are usually larger than white onions. They are sweeter and milder in flavor. White onions are generally used in salads and sandwiches while red onions are used in soups, stews, casseroles, sauces, dips, and other dishes.

Cipolline

Cipolline or “baby onions” are smaller than regular onions and are available year round. They are sweet and mild in flavor. They are great for adding color and texture to salads, pasta dishes, and vegetable side dishes.

Yellow Onions

Onions are a member of the lily family Liliaceae. They are native to temperate regions around the world, but are grown commercially worldwide. Onions are used extensively in cuisines from many countries. In addition to being eaten raw, onions are cooked into various dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, dips, spreads, relishes, pickles, chutneys, and breads.

What is the most common type of onion?

There are three main types of onions: white, yellow, and red. White onions are milder and sweeter than yellow onions. Yellow onions are stronger and have a slightly bitter taste. Red onions are the strongest of the bunch. Red onions are usually used raw in salads, but they can also be cooked.

What are the 6 types of onions?

There are three main types of onions: sweet, white and red. Sweet onions are mild and sweeter than other types. White onions are usually used raw in salads and sandwiches. Red onions are generally cooked and added to soups, stews, sauces and casseroles.

How many varieties of onions are there?

Onions are used extensively in cuisines around the world. They are available in many different colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors. In addition to being delicious, onions are versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Here are six common varieties of onions: Red Onion – This type of onion is usually found in supermarkets and grocery stores. It is very popular because of its sweet flavor. White Onion – Also known as “sweet white onion,” these onions are milder than red onions. Yellow Onion – These onions are smaller than other types of onions and are generally sweeter. Green Onion – These onions are similar to scallions but larger. Purple Onion – These onions are also called “Spanish onions” because they were originally grown in Spain. Garlic Onion – This onion is also called “onion garlic” because it tastes like garlic. Shallot – A shallot is a member of the onion family that is not bulbous. It is thinner and shorter than regular onions.

How many colors of onions are there?

Onions are a member of the lily family Liliaceae and are classified into two main groups: white onions and red onions. White onions are generally smaller and milder in flavor than red onions. Red onions are usually larger and stronger in flavor than white onions. Onions are typically harvested from late summer until early fall. In the United States, onions are grown commercially in California, Florida, Texas, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Newfoundland.