Red onion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red onion |
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A red onion
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| Genus | Allium |
| Species | Allium cepa |
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Red onions are a special type of onion that have a purplish-red skin and white inside with a hint of red. Some people in Europe might call them purple or blue onions. They are mostly used in cooking, but their skin can also be used to make dye.
Red onions are usually medium to large in size. They taste sweeter than white or yellow onions. This is because they have less of certain strong-smelling chemicals. People often eat them raw, like in salads, to add color and a bit of crunch. You can also grill them or cook them lightly with other foods.
You can find red onions all year round. They are full of healthy things called flavonoids and fiber, even more than white or yellow onions. If you want to make a cut red onion taste less strong, you can soak it in cool water for a while. Then, just drain the water, and it will be milder!
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Different Types of Red Onions
Tropea Red Onion
The red onion from Tropea, Italy, is very famous. It grows in a small area of southern Italy called Calabria, near the city of Tropea. This onion has a stronger and sweeter smell than other red onions. Its inside is also juicier and whiter. You can even make a special jam with it!
In 2008, the European Union gave these onions a special mark called "Protected Designation of Origin." This means that only red onions grown in this specific Italian area can be called "Tropea Red Onion."
Turda Red Onion
The red onion from Turda in central Romania is another unique type. It has a slightly sweeter taste and a special smell. These onions are grown in the valleys of the Arieș and Mureș rivers.
Farmers in Turda traditionally braid their onion bulbs into long strings, sometimes 1 to 2 meters long! They sell these strings in markets all over central Romania. "Turda Red Onion" is often eaten fresh, either in salads or as a side dish. It's especially popular with traditional bean and smoked ham soups.
Wethersfield Red Onion
In the United States, one important type of red onion used to be grown in Wethersfield, Connecticut. This area was a major source of onions for the New England region until the late 1800s.
Images for kids
it:Cipolla rossa
