Description
A purple onion, also commonly called a red onion, is a variety of onion known for its distinctive reddish-purple skin and white flesh with streaks of red or purple. Here’s a detailed description:
Appearance:
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Skin: Thin, papery outer layers that are deep purplish-red.
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Flesh: Crisp, with alternating white and purple rings inside.
Flavor:
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Raw: Mildly spicy, sharp, and slightly sweet; less pungent than yellow or white onions.
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Cooked: Becomes sweeter and milder in flavor; the color may fade when sautéed or roasted.
Culinary Uses:
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Often used raw in salads, salsas, sandwiches, and pickles for color and crunch.
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Also used in grilled or roasted dishes, and can be caramelized for a sweeter flavor.
Nutritional Highlights:
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Contains antioxidants such as quercetin and anthocyanins (which give the onion its purple hue).
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Low in calories and a source of vitamin C, fiber, and other phytonutrients.
Fun Fact:
Despite being called a “red” onion in many countries, its color is clearly purple—hence the alternate name “purple onion.”
