There is no doubt that one of the most popular onions is white. It can be found in all supermarkets and in many culinary recipes. Besides being a good condiment to flavor the dish, it also has multiple benefits if we consume it. But what is the white onion?
When we go to the supermarket, we can find different types and colors of onions. Their choice is not always easy, especially if it is not known exactly how they differ. To shed some light on these doubts, We are going to talk in this post about the white onion and we will comment on its differences with the purple onion and the benefits it has.
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What is the white onion?
The first thing we are going to do is explain what white onion is. Well, it is a spring onion that is normally harvested before it reaches full maturity. Today we can buy it in supermarkets at any time of the year, but it should be noted that its keeping capacity is low, since, compared to other varieties, it usually spoils earlier. When it comes to consuming the white onion, it can be done raw, cooked or fried. Without a doubt, it is an ideal seasoning for a wide variety of dishes.
In general, in supermarkets or in small stores, we can find what is called “storage onions”. These are the ones that, after being harvested, are left to dry so that they can be kept for several months in the kitchen without being damaged. The usual thing is to find them separated by colors: White, yellow and red/purple.
It must be said that the three, despite a different flavor intensity, they are interchangeable. That is to say: no matter which one we use, none of them will spoil the dish, only slightly change its appearance and flavor. Generally, white onion tends to have a more intense flavor, while purple tends to be milder. As for yellow, it is considered an intermediate point of the other two.
Differences between purple and white onion
The great confusion usually occurs between purple and white onions. While the former have reddish skin and are smaller in size, the latter are larger and have a slightly more intense flavor, as already mentioned above. Even so, there are still more differences between the two types of onions.
For one thing, purple onions are widely used in summer dishes. Its characteristic color gives it a very high ornamental value, For this reason, it is widely used for the preparation of salads and other colorful dishes, such as the German Flammkuchen. The visual contrast provided by the purple onion is very attractive. Therefore, it is quite common to consume it raw or pickled. In addition, it is very popular in Asian and European cuisine. When cooking the red onion, it chars to perfection, making its texture sticky and even caramelized. This is not the case with yellow or white onions, which simply become mushy.
On another side, the white onion has a more intense flavor, as mentioned earlier. Thus, they are mainly used to flavor dishes and/or enhance the taste of other foods. It is therefore not surprising that it is a key ingredient in many culinary recipes. It can even become the main ingredient, as is the case, for example, in French onion soup or Argentinian fuggazeta (onion pizza). There is a very simple trick so that the white onion has a much less intense flavor. Just cut it into thin slices and put it in cold water. In order for it to lose its flavor, the slices must be soaked for at least an hour. Thus, the taste and itching will be significantly reduced.
In conclusion we can say that the use of white or purple onion It will mainly depend on the flavor and color we want for our plate. For a milder flavor and a striking appearance, the best option is the purple onion, while the white will be the best option to enhance the flavors.
What are the benefits of white onion?
Now that we know a little more about the white onion, it’s time to discuss the multiple benefits that its consumption brings us. Let’s see what the healing properties of this vegetable are:
- Cardiac care: The white onion contains sulphides which help to dilute the blood and thus prevent it from clotting. These sulphides, together with an enzyme called “alinase”, help maintain the elasticity of the arteries and reduce the levels of what is called “bad” cholesterol. According to studies conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, daily consumption of a medium-sized onion reduces cardiovascular risk by up to 15%.
- Digestive aid: A substance found in white onion is quinine. It is a stimulant of the functions of certain organs, such as the liver, the stomach, the gallbladder and the pancreas. In addition, it activates the generation of gastric juices and neutralizes acids. The intestinal flora is greatly favored by these processes.
- Reduction of respiratory ailments: It should also be noted that white onion is generally quite effective in fighting nasal congestion, flu and colds. Indeed, it cleans the airways, helps expectoration and relieves cough.
- Diuretic properties: Another great benefit of this vegetable is its ability to activate kidney functions and eliminate fluids. Thanks to this, it helps to create and expel urine.
- Fight diabetes: The white onion also proves to be a powerful ally in the fight against diabetes. As it contains a high content of glucokinin, it helps lower blood sugar levels. In addition to lowering glucose, it also helps eliminate toxic substances from sugar.
- Bactericidal and antiviral properties: They help to increase defenses.
As you can see, the white onion is very healthy, in addition to being delicious. Without a doubt, it is an ingredient that should not be missing in our daily diet.