The red onion is characterized by its visual appeal, its benefits, and the infinite number of dishes in which we can use it.
Although it may be hard to believe, onion is one of people’s favorite ingredients because of the flavor it adds to meals, as it can be used during the preparation of various main dishes and salads.
Its consumption is common in all regions of the country, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAGA).
Differences between white and purple onions
There are several types of onion, among which the purple one stands out. Although it is not the most popular, it is a fairly versatile onion that can be used to prepare various dishes.
There are some differences between red and white onions. According to chef Pablo Posadas, both types of onion differ in their level of sweetness and their amount of sulfur (although this also depends on the soil where they are harvested). There are opinions about the level of acidity that each one provides, but this also depends on the soil from which it comes.
According to Posadas, red onions tend to look much more attractive on dishes due to their pigmentation. For this reason, they are also often used in commercial photography.
What are the benefits of red onion?
- Red onion can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. According to Posadas, it is best to use it raw or pickled to take advantage of its flavor.
- It provides other touches to provide different textures and flavors for everyday cooking.
- It is not as pungent in its flavor. “However, if the flavor is still strong, you can pickle it, add hot water, or add salt with cold water to reduce the intensity,” says Posadas.
How to use red onion in cooking?
According to chef Angelli Sangel, here are some easy and practical ideas for using red onion in our regular diet:
- Salads: Thinly sliced red onion adds crunch and a tangy flavor to salads. “You can also marinate it in vinegar before adding it to the salad to reduce its strong flavor,” Sangel says.
- Salsas and Guacamole: Finely chopped red onion can be added to salsas such as tomato sauce or guacamole to add flavor and texture.
- Pickles: Pickled red onion can be added to tacos, sandwiches, and other dishes.
- Caramelized Onions: Red onions become sweet and mild if you cook them slowly, making them a perfect addition to sandwiches, burgers, or meat dishes.
- Cooked Dishes: You can also add chopped red onion to cooked dishes such as rice, stews, casseroles, and stir-fries to add flavor and texture.
What are the properties of red onion?
The red onion has various vitamins and minerals that provide great nutritional value for our body. According to expert nutritionists, the nutritional properties of the red onion include:
- Vitamins A, B6, C and E.
- Minerals such as sodium, potassium, and iron.
- Other nutrients such as folic acid and fiber.
It is worth noting that, according to experts, 100 grams of onion contain 44 calories and 1.4 grams of fiber. It is also important to note that red onion is used in alternative medicine to treat diseases such as cough, asthma, and colds, among others. Sangel highlights that the red onion also has antioxidant properties that are extremely useful for the human body.
Reasons why you should include red onion in your diet
In general, red onion is a good option to include in a balanced diet, as it provides many important nutrients. On the other hand, from a culinary point of view, it provides a crunchy texture and a distinct flavor, which is why it is a perfect complement to salads, ceviches, and some traditional dishes, among others.