what are the 21 types of onions

3 min read 04-02-2025

Onions, a staple in cuisines worldwide, come in a surprising variety beyond the common yellow onion. This guide explores 21 distinct types, highlighting their unique flavors, textures, and ideal culinary uses. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, understanding these differences can elevate your cooking.

Varieties Based on Color and Flavor Profile

Onions are broadly categorized by color, which often correlates with their pungency (how strong their flavor is). Let's dive into some prominent examples:

Yellow Onions

Yellow Onion (Standard): The ubiquitous workhorse of the onion world. Its pungent flavor and sharp bite make it perfect for savory dishes, caramelizing, and pickling.
Vidalia Onion: Known for its incredibly sweet and mild flavor. Grown in a specific region of Georgia, these onions are prized for their low pungency. Great for eating raw in salads.
Walla Walla Sweet Onion: Another exceptionally sweet variety, celebrated for its mild flavor and juicy texture. Excellent raw in salads or sandwiches.

White Onions

White Onion: A milder, less pungent onion than its yellow counterpart. Its crisp texture makes it ideal for raw applications like salsas and salads, as well as grilled dishes.
Cipollini Onion: These small, flat, sweet onions are perfect for roasting or caramelizing. Their delicate sweetness complements many dishes.

Red Onions

Red Onion: Features a pungent bite, but with a noticeable sweetness and a slightly crisp texture. Its vibrant color adds visual appeal to dishes. Excellent raw in salads and sandwiches or grilled.

Other Colors & Varieties

Candy Onion: Incredibly sweet, with almost no pungency. Perfect for raw consumption or adding a touch of sweetness to dishes.
White Bermuda Onion: Similar to Vidalia onions in sweetness but with a slightly sharper edge.
Red Bermuda Onion: Combines the sweetness of Bermuda onions with a tangy red onion flavor.

Exploring Unique Onion Types

Beyond color-based categorizations, several unique onion types deserve attention:

Scallions/Green Onions

Scallions/Green Onions: These young onions are harvested before the bulb develops fully. Their mild flavor and delicate texture make them a great addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Shallots

Shallots: These small, multi-cloved onions offer a complex flavor profile with hints of garlic and onion. They’re commonly used in sauces, vinaigrettes, and as a flavor base.

Chives

Chives: These slender, hollow-stemmed onions have a mild, grassy flavor and are often used as a garnish or added to soups and dips.

Leeks

Leeks: Larger than other onion varieties, leeks have a milder flavor than onions and are typically used in soups, stews, and quiches.

Bunching Onions

Bunching Onions: Similar to scallions, but often larger and harvested when the bulb is more developed.

Rare and Less Common Varieties

This section dives into less commonly available yet equally interesting onion types:

Red Creole Onion: A pungent red onion with a slightly spicy kick.
Yellow Granex Onion: This variety produces exceptionally large bulbs, ideal for roasting or grilling.
Ailsa Craig Onion: Known for its large size and robust flavor. A great pick for roasting or grilling.
Potato Onion: A unique heirloom variety that multiplies by producing small "potato-like" onions around a central bulb.
Egyptian Walking Onion: Produces bulbils on the flowering stalk that can be planted to grow new plants.
Multiplier Onion: Similar to the Potato onion, producing many smaller bulbs around the main bulb.

Choosing the Right Onion for Your Dish

The key to successful onion cooking lies in selecting the appropriate variety for the intended dish. Sweet onions shine in salads and raw preparations, while pungent varieties enhance savory dishes. Consider the onion's flavor profile, texture, and color to create truly delicious meals.

Remember to store onions in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place to maintain their freshness. Proper storage extends their lifespan and ensures optimal flavor.

This comprehensive guide provides a glimpse into the diverse world of onions. Experimenting with different types will undoubtedly elevate your culinary adventures!