What is onion?

The onion is a herbaceous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family. This vegetable plant is cultivated for its leaves or bulbs used as a vegetable or condiment. The bulb of the onion is large and round, sometimes it can be slightly flattened.

During flowering, small white and green flowers appear, grouped in umbels.

David Vanille's choice: I've chosen to introduce you to sliced onions grown in India. An essential product of Indian cuisine whose slightly pungent taste finds its place in many Western recipes. Simple to use, the sliced onion can be used dehydrated in a little water or added sparingly to your dishes.

The onion harvest

The onion is an easy plant to grow. It adapts to both temperate and tropical climates. However, a better yield is noted in countries where the seasons are marked.

Onions can be planted in the fall or spring. Onions germinate in cool periods and grow in hot periods. On average, 2 kilos of onions are harvested per m² of cultivated land.

Onions are ready to be harvested when their foliage is dry. It is important to dry them quickly to prevent them from rotting.

Did you know that? There are more than 1,000 varieties of onions!

The differences between onion and shallot

Although very similar, these two herbs differ in a few points. Shallot has a stronger taste than onion. It is also smaller.

The origins of the onion

The onion is an ancient plant whose first traces date back several thousand years in a region from Palestine to India.

There are also representations of them on Egyptian tombs from the 5th Dynasty. At the time, it served as an offering to the dead and represented the solar resurrection.

Onions have been used by all the great civilizations: Greeks, Romans, Gauls... At the beginning of the 9th century, Charlemagne recommended their consumption.

Did you know that? : It is said that the time when the swallows leave indicates that it is time to plant onions, and that their return indicates the time of their harvest.

Onions nowadays

Onion cultivation accounts for more than 88 million tons worldwide. China is the largest producer with more than 22 million tonnes, followed closely by India which produces 19 million tonnes annually.

Did you know that? In India, the onion is an indicator of the country's economic situation. As the world's second largest producer, India has been severely affected by numerous floods that have had a negative impact on the onion crop. In 2019, damage to plantations has resulted in a price increase of up to 300%. The authorities have therefore decided to limit imports for a few months. The countries affected by these measures are mainly Asian.

Other uses of the onion

While onions are a common vegetable and condiment, they also have certain health benefits:

• Anticoagulant
• Helps fight anemia
• Antiseptic
• Cholesterol regulator
• Action on transit Anti-inflammatory

How to use onions in cooking?

Onions can be eaten raw or cooked, sliced, powdered or chopped. It is also found whole and studded with cloves in certain stews or marinades.

Its pungent taste enhances cold dishes such as salads. When cooked, it can be found in many recipes: sauces, soups, pan-fried vegetables..

Minced onion can be used in many recipes. It is appreciated in tomatoes or cucumbers with vinaigrette and is also excellent on bruschettas. It can also be used in certain mushroom or pepper fillings.

Our recipe ideas with sliced onion

Would you like to try new recipes in which you can discover all the power of the aromas of the chopped onion? Here's a menu that should please you.

The starter: Italian Bruschetta with minced onion

An Italian starter that seduces for its flavour. Here, the onion and minced garlic bring out the flavour of the tomato. Slice slightly stale country bread. Prepare an olive oil flavoured with onion semolina, garlic and basil. Brush your bread with the oil. Slice tomatoes into rings, garnish the bread and add a little onion semolina. Place under the grill. You can add a little goat cheese for a very pleasant cheese version.

The dish: Mushrooms stuffed with cheese

Choose large mushrooms to stuff. Remove the feet and clean them. Prepare a stuffing with goat cheese, crushed and roasted pine nuts, salt, black pepper, garlic and minced onion. Cut a few sprigs of chives. Put the stuffing in the fridge for 3 hours. Preheat your oven to 180°. Garnish your mushrooms with the stuffing. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Put in the oven. Delicious with wholemeal rice.

Dessert: Onion Tart

A recipe for lovers of savoury desserts! Here, the sweet onion is stewed in brown beer and brown sugar. The onion slices are added sparingly to add a little crunch and spice to your pie. Make a shortcrust pastry and bake it for 10 minutes in white. Add half a spoonful of sliced onions to the bottom of the tart and garnish with the onion compote. Beat two eggs with 20 cl of fresh cream. Cover the onions with the preparation. Season with pepper, salt and put in the oven.

How do I keep the chopped onion?

To keep all the crunchiness of your sliced onion, I advise you to keep it in an airtight jar away from humidity and light.