White Onions – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are white onions?

White onions, like their onion cousins, are part of the broader allium family of vegetables that also includes garlic, scallions, leeks, and chives. They’re easy to spot, with their papery, often pristine white skin. White onions are milder in flavor and less pungent than yellow and red onions, which makes them great for dicing or chopping and serving raw as a garnish on burgers, tacos, salads, and so many other dishes.

White onions are among the most versatile and popular vegetables in kitchens around the world. They can be served raw, sauteed, caramelized, or cooked in many other ways. They’re often used as an aromatic base in cooking traditions ranging from Chinese cuisine and French cuisine to Cajun cuisine in the United States and are the backbone of countless sauces, salads, soups, and dressings.

Where did white onions originate from?

Many food historians believe white onions have their roots in central Asia, but that hasn’t been proved beyond doubt. Wherever they came from, onions have certainly played an important role in the culinary traditions of cultures around the world for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

What is the nutritional value of white onions?

A 100g serving of raw white onions contains:

• 40 calories
• 1.1g protein
• 9.3g carbohydrates; includes 1.7g of fiber, and 4.2g of sugar
• 0.1g fat

The key vitamins you’re going to get from eating white onions include vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin C. White onions are also a good source of natural fibers, including prebiotics that can promote gut health. Although they aren’t as rich in antioxidants as red and yellow onions, white onions also contain antioxidants.

How are white onions grown?

White onions should be planted in early spring, and are typically harvested in early fall, though they can be picked earlier if they are ready. White onions can be grown from seeds, transplanted seedlings, or from onion sets (small bulbs). They require lots of sunlight and damp soil, which should be watered regularly. As a good rule of thumb, white onions can be harvested at around 100 to 120 days. When they are fully grown, the stalks on top of the onions will collapse over. However, white onions can be picked any size, as long as the bulbs are fully formed.

When are white onions in season?

White onions are easy to find all year round and can be purchased almost anywhere that stocks fresh root vegetables. Although they are harvested in the fall, they can be stored for months. Some white onions can even be planted in fall and grown through winter.

How do you pick white onions at the grocery store?

White onions should be firm to the touch, and fresh onions will often feel a little heavier than their size would suggest. Mushy or soft patches on the onion are a red flag, as is bruising on the skin.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for white onions via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for white onions.

How to store white onions

Avoid refrigerating white onions if you can. Instead, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If these optimal conditions can be maintained, white onions will last for several months in summer, and even longer in winter. In more humid conditions, your white onions will go bad more quickly. If you have peeled or cut white onions, they should be refrigerated and will last for about a week.

How to tell if white onions are bad

Dark spots are a sign that your white onions have gone bad. White onions may also develop soft or mushy spots if they are starting to rot, so be sure to check how they feel. If you see any obvious signs of mold on your onions, it’s time to put them in the trash.

What can I substitute for white onions?

White, yellow, and red onions can be used at least somewhat interchangeably, although you should understand the differences in the flavor profiles that will result from switching one for another. Red onions have a sharper, more pungent taste than white onions, especially when eaten raw. Your dish may take on a little color from red onions. Yellow onions also have a stronger flavor than white onions. If you want to take the edge off that flavor, cut the onion then immerse the pieces in iced water for at least ten minutes.

You can call on many other vegetables to stand in for white onions, including shallots, scallions, and chives. Browse Instacart’s fresh vegetable selection to find out what’s available today for same-day delivery.

Grab some white onions to give your cooking a kick

White onions are one of the building blocks of cooking in so many cultures, and if stored correctly will last you months, so your pantry should never be short of a few of these flavorful vegetables. Check out what’s in stock at grocery stores near you and order the freshest white onions for same-day delivery with Instacart.

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