There is no doubt that one of the most popular onions is white. We can find it in all supermarkets and in many culinary recipes. Apart from being a good condiment to flavor the dish, it also has multiple benefits if we consume it. But what really is 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 we do not know exactly how they differ. To clarify these doubts a bit, 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.
What is 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 conservation capacity is low, since, compared to other varieties, it usually spoils sooner. When it comes to consuming the white onion, we can do it 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 the so-called "storage onions". They are those that, after being harvested, are left to dry so that they can be kept for many months in the kitchen without spoiling. The usual thing is to find them separated by colors: White, yellow and red / purple.
It should be said that the three, despite having a different flavor intensity, they are interchangeable. That is to say: It does not matter which one we use, none of them will ruin the dish, only slightly alter its appearance and flavor. Generally, the white onion tends to have a more intense flavor, while the purple one tends to be milder. As for the yellow, this 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 others are larger and have a slightly more intense flavor, as we have already mentioned above. Even so, there are some more differences between the two types of onions.
On the one hand, 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 highly appreciated in Asian and European cuisine. When grilling 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 the other hand, white onion has a more intense flavor, as we have previously mentioned. Thus, they are used above all to flavor dishes and/or enhance the flavor of other foods. Therefore it is 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 Argentine fuggazeta (onion pizza). There is a very simple trick to make the white onion have a much less intense flavor. We simply have to cut it into thin slices and put it in cold water. So that it loses flavor, we must leave the slices to soak for at least an hour. Thus, both the taste and the itching will be considerably reduced.
In conclusion we can say that the use of white or purple onion It will depend mainly on the flavor and color we want for our plate. For a milder flavor and striking appearance, the best option is purple onion, while white will be the best option to enhance flavors.
What benefits does white onion have?
Now that we know a little more about white onion, it's time to discuss the multiple benefits that its consumption brings us. Let's see what are the healing properties of this vegetable:
- Heart Care: The white onion has sulfides that help dilute the blood and thus prevent it from clotting. These sulfides, together with an enzyme called "alinase", help to maintain the elasticity of the arteries and reduce the levels of so-called "bad" cholesterol. According to studies carried out at the University of Pennsylvania, consuming a medium-sized onion every day reduces cardiovascular risk by up to 15%.
- Aid for digestion: A substance found in white onion is quinine. This is a stimulant of the functions of some organs, such as the liver, stomach, gallbladder and pancreas. In addition, it activates the generation of gastric juices and neutralizes acids. The intestinal flora is greatly favored from these processes.
- Reduction of respiratory ailments: It should also be noted that white onion is usually quite effective in fighting nasal congestion, flu and colds. This is because it cleanses the airways, helps with expectoration, and relieves coughing.
- 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 turns out to be a powerful ally to combat diabetes. Since it contains a high content of glucokinin, it helps to lower the blood sugar level. In addition to lowering glucose, it also helps remove toxic substances from sugar.
- Bactericidal and antiviral properties: They help increase defenses.
As you can see, white onion is very healthy, apart from being delicious. Without a doubt, it is an ingredient that should not be missing from our daily diet.