Pearl onion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pearl onion |
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Pearl onions and peas topping a crockpot dish
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| Species | Allium ampeloprasum var. sectivum or A. ampeloprasum 'Pearl-Onion Group' |
| Cultivar | 'Pearl onion' |
The pearl onion is a small, sweet onion. People also call them button, baby, or silverskin onions. They are related to the leek, which is another vegetable. Pearl onions are different from regular onions. They have only one main storage part, like a single piece of garlic. In France, they are known as oignon grelot.
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Growing Pearl Onions
Where Do Pearl Onions Grow?
Pearl onions are grown in places like Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. Many people grow them in their home gardens. In the past, they were also grown on large farms. These small onions are often used for pickling. This means they are preserved in vinegar.
How Are Pearl Onions Grown?
Most onions grown for pickling are actually regular onions. Farmers plant them very close together. This makes them stay small, which is perfect for pickling.
Some types of small white onions are called Crystal Wax or White Bermuda. There are also red types of pearl onions. Red ones usually have a milder and sweeter taste.
Harvesting and Storing Pearl Onions
Pearl onions are ready to pick about 90 days after planting their seeds. Once harvested, you can keep them for about a month. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Eating Pearl Onions
What Makes Pearl Onions Special?
Pearl onions are special because of their small size. They also taste sweeter than a regular common onion. This makes them great for many different dishes.
How Are Pearl Onions Used in Cooking?
People use pearl onions in many kinds of food. In the mid-1900s, they were popular in American casserole dishes. One example is succotash, which is a mix of corn and beans. They are also used in sweet onion relishes in Indian cuisine.
You can add pearl onions to stews and soups. They are also delicious when sautéed, which means fried quickly, with other vegetables. Sometimes, they are even used in drinks like "martini standing" cocktails.
Pearl Onions Around the World
Pearl onions are a common food in Northern Europe. In modern Europe, people also grow them as pretty flowering plants. In Israel, they are used as cut flowers.
Health Benefits of Pearl Onions
Pearl onions contain good things for your body. They have chemicals that can help your heart and blood system. They may also help keep your blood sugar levels steady. Plus, they act as an antioxidant, which protects your body's cells. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling.
