Red onion

Red onion
A red onion
Genus	Allium
Species	Allium cepa

Cross sections of red onions

Red onions (also known as purple onions in some European countries) are cultivars of the onion (Allium cepa), and have purplish-red skin and white flesh tinged with red. They are most commonly used in the culinary arts, but the skin of the red onion has also been used as a dye.^[1]

These onions tend to be medium to large in size and have a sharp flavor and eye-watering qualities.^[2][3] They are often consumed raw (and can be added to salads for color and bite), grilled, or lightly cooked with other foods.^[3] Red onions are available throughout the year and are high in flavonoids^[4] and fiber (compared to white and yellow onions).^[2] Cut red onion can be soaked in cool water for a period of time, and the water can be drained off, resulting in less "bite" and pungency.^[5]

Red onion of Tropea[]

Rossa di Tropea for sale in Italy

The red onion from Tropea, Italy, (Italian: "Cipolla Rossa di Tropea") is a particular variety of red onion which grows in a small area of Calabria in southern Italy named Capo Vaticano near the city of Tropea.^[6] This onion has a stronger and sweeter aroma and the inner part is juicier and whiter than other red onions and it is possible to make a jam with it. In March 2008, the European Union registered the Protected Designation of Origin mark for the red onions produced in this particular area in Italy.^{[citation needed]}

Red onion of Turda[]

The red onion from Turda (Cluj County,^[7] Central Romania) (Romanian: "Ceapa de Turda",^[8]) is a local variety of red onion with light sweeter taste and particular aroma. The area of cultivation encompass the lower Arieş valley and the middle Mureş valley.^{[citation needed]}

Turda onion bulbs are traditionally intertwined into long strings (1–2 m) for marketing purposes and can be found at the traditional markets all over central Romania. "Turda Red Onion" is usually served fresh, as a salad or part of mixed salads and especially as a compulsory garnish for the traditional bean-and-smoked ham soups.^{[citation needed]}

Wethersfield red onion[]

In the United States, one of the most prominent cultivars of red onion was grown in Wethersfield, Connecticut, and was a major source of onions for New England until the late 1800s.^[9][10]

Other varieties[]

Known varieties also include 'Red Zeppelin'.^[2]

References[]

External links[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Red onions.

• Onion Cultivation at the World Vegetable Center
• The red onion of Tropea (Italian)
• Vacanze in Calabria: The red onion of Tropea