Onions

Onions are one of the most useful and versatile vegetables available to the cook. Not only can they be used as a major ingredient in their own right, such as onion soup, onion sauce, pickled onions or fried onion rings, but there are few savoury dishes that don't start life with a sliced or chopped onion to enhance their flavour.

Cocktail Onions

The smallest variety of onion; they have a sweet white flesh and are sold pickled in vinegar. They may be served with crusty bread and mature Cheddar cheese or with a selection of cold meats.

Pearl Onions

Also known as baby (or button) onions, these relatively small onions have a sweet, delicate flavour. They may be cooked gently in butter and a dash of balsamic vinegar for 20-30 minutes and then served with roasted meat, or alternatively, they may be added whole to stews and casseroles.

Pickling Onions

These maincrop onions are picked in the autumn when they are still very small, and have a strong, pungent flavour. They may be added whole to recipes such as casseroles in place of larger onions or shallots, or they may be preserved in vinegar and eaten with cold meats and cheese.

Red Onions

This attractively coloured variety of onion has a mild, sweet flavour that can be enjoyed raw in salads, antipasti and sandwiches. Alternatively, they may be used to make chutneys to serve with cold meats and cheese or roasted in olive oil, along with tomatoes, courgettes and peppers.

Spanish Onions

This large, flattened, pale copper or brown-coloured onion is usually milder and sweeter than the yellow variety. This is because onions grown in warmer regions tend to develop a milder taste than those grown in cooler climes. One of the largest varieties available, Spanish onions are particularly good for stuffing and baking. Their mild taste also makes them ideal for any savoury dish where a subtle onion flavour is required, such as salads or creamy soups and sauces.

Yellow Onions

The most commonly used cooking onion, the yellow onion is considered to be the most pungent of all the globe onions. They have a pungent aroma, a strong flavour and are a good basic all-purpose onion that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including pies, casseroles, stir-fries, pizzas, quiches and sauces.