Seasonality:
- Most onion varieties, like yellow, red and white onions, are available year-round.
- Vidalia® onions are in season mid-to-late April to early September.
Health Benefits of Onions:
- Onions are high in Vitamin C and a good source of fiber.
- Phytochemicals in onions along with their vitamin C help improve immunity.
- Onions contain chromium, which assists in regulating blood sugar.
- For centuries, onions have been used to reduce inflammation and heal infections.
How to Select Onions:
- Onions should be firm and have little-to-no scent.
- Avoid onions with any cuts, bruises or blemishes.
How to Store Onions:
- Onions should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place with plenty of air movement. Do not store onions in plastic bags.
- Cut onions can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days
How to Prepare Onions:
- Refrigerate onions 30 minutes before cutting to prevent tearing.
- To dice, remove the top stem (leave the root end intact) and peel. Cut the onion in half from root end to stem end. Lay cut-side-down on cutting board and vertically slice from root end to stem end without cutting through the root. Then, make horizontal cuts parallel to cutting board, leaving the root intact. Then slice in opposite direction of vertical sliced to dice onion. Check out this helpful guide from USA Onions for images.
- Aside from the many ways onions are used raw, these are the four most common methods found in recipes: sauté, caramelize, grill, and roast.
Fun Facts About Onions:
- According to The Guinness Book of World Records, the biggest onion ever weighed just under 18 pounds.
- Onions have been a part of the human diet for more than 7,000 years.
- In the Middle Ages, onions were an acceptable form of currency, and was used to pay for rent, goods and services — and even as gifts!
Downloadable Resources
Learn more at USA Onions and Vidalia Onion Committee
Get additional resources in our Nutrition Education Center
