What’s The Difference Between Yellow And White Onions?
Onions are a staple in many kitchens but did you know there are different kinds?
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Yellow onions and white onions are different in some ways, so it’s important to choose the right one for your dish.
Here’s a guide on how to distinguish between yellow and white onions.
What is special about yellow onions?
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Onions are a bulbous vegetable that is typically available all year long.
Yellow onions, or brown onions, are among the most common types of onions that are perfect for many savory recipes.
They have a fist size and golden papery skin but the flesh is still white to pale yellow.
They come with a slightly sweet and pungent oniony taste.
Yellow onions are affordable and versatile because they can be cooked in different ways like grilling, baking, stewing, or even being eaten raw.
What is special about white onions?
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Besides yellow onions, white onions are also a popular type of onions that you can easily find on the market.
White onions, as the name implies, have white skin instead of brown.
Their flavor is considered to be crisp but milder than yellow onions.
Moreover, the texture is not likely to hold up like yellow onions.
Therefore, this type of onion is preferred to be chopped and used raw in recipes like salads or salsa in Mexican cuisine.
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What are the differences between yellow onions and white onions?
It is a common thought that yellow onions and white onions are very similar and there are no differences between them.
In fact, these two types of onions have many differences, as listed in the comparison table below:
Yellow onions | White onions | |
Color | Yellow-brown papery skin White, pale yellow, or greenish flesh | White skin and flesh |
Texture | Crunchy and thicker | Thinner and softer, not hold up well |
Flavor | More potent | Milder |
Shelf life | Longer | Shorter due to the lower sulfur and high sugar content |
Common uses | Grilled, baked, stewed | Chopped to add to salsa and salads |
What are the similarities between yellow onions and white onions?
Despite numerous differences between yellow and white onions, they also have many things in common:
Yellow onions and white onions both belong to the genus Allium
The first similarity between yellow and white onions is that they are the members of the genus Allium, the flowering plant.
This can explain their same appearance (despite the color).
Yellow onions and white onions look like a fist (with the same size).
They are made of different layers of papery flesh.
Yellow onions and white onions both have an oniony flavor
Another thing in common between yellow onions and white onions is that they have the same flavor.
Although there is a slight difference in how strong their flavors are, both types of onions taste like onions, obviously.
This flavor can be described as crisp, sweet, tangy, and a little pungent.
Yellow onions and white onions are packed with many essential nutrients
The third thing in common between yellow onions and white onions is their nutritional values.
Both are especially rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.
These properties can support our health in different ways, such as improving gut health, heart health, bone health, and even reducing the risk of cancer.
Yellow onions and white onions can be used in the same ways in cooking
Last but not least, the ways that yellow onions and white onions are used in cooking are quite similar.
They can be eaten raw in a salad (which is more popular for white onions thanks to their mild flavor), or cooked in numerous recipes, from stewing to grilling.
Which one is better?
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So, which one should you choose for your dish?
It depends on the recipe.
For dishes like onion rings or French onion soup, use a yellow onion because it’s sweeter and has a stronger flavor.
If you’re making salsa or salads, go with a white onion as its raw flavor won’t overpower other ingredients and doesn’t taste pungent.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with onions, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
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