Red Onion About 0.11 Kg Each • $5.76 / Kg Final Cost By Weight

The red onion, also known as the purple onion, is a popular variety of the common onion (*Allium cepa*). Here is a summary of its key characteristics, uses, and benefits: ### Key Characteristics * **Appearance:** They have a deep reddish-purple (or "red") papery skin and white flesh tinged with red/purple. The color comes from **anthocyanins**, which are powerful antioxidants. * **Flavor:** Red onions are generally **milder and sweeter** than yellow or white onions, with a pleasant "bite" or pungency, particularly when raw. Soaking sliced red onion in cool water can further reduce its pungency. * **Size:** They are typically medium to large in size. ### Culinary Uses Due to their color and milder flavor, red onions are frequently used raw: * **Raw:** Sliced thinly for salads, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salsas, and guacamole. * **Pickled:** They are the top choice for pickling because they turn a beautiful bright pink and retain a crisp texture. * **Cooked:** They can be grilled, roasted, or lightly sautéed. Cooking them mellows their flavor and brings out their natural sweetness, but they lose some of their vibrant color and sharp edge. They are generally not the best choice for long caramelizing, where the higher sugar content of yellow onions often performs better. ### Health and Nutrition Red onions are a nutrient-dense food, low in calories, and a source of: * **Antioxidants:** They are especially high in **quercetin** and **anthocyanins** (the compound that gives them their color), which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against cell damage. * **Vitamins and Minerals:** Good sources of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and potassium. * **Fiber:** Contains prebiotic fiber, which helps support a healthy digestive system. * **Potential Benefits:** Consumption of onions, particularly red onions, is associated with possible benefits for heart health (by potentially lowering blood pressure and cholesterol), improved blood sugar regulation, and reduced risk of certain cancers. ### Storage Tips * Store whole red onions in a **cool, dry, and well-ventilated area**, away from direct sunlight. * **Do not refrigerate** whole onions, as the moisture can accelerate spoilage. * Keep them away from **potatoes**, as both release gases that can cause the other to spoil faster. * Once cut, store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within a few days.