How to choose the right onion?

There are many varieties of onions. They differ in the size and shape of the bulbs, their color, and also in taste. It is believed that the darker the onions, the sweeter they are. Traditionally, all varieties are divided into three main categories: white, yellow (golden) and red onions.

The shape of the bulb can be:

• large and round or oval;
• medium size of various shapes;
• small plum-shaped.

Buying one or another variety of onions is an individual choice. If the bulbs are purchased for long-term storage, then large heads are chosen. Any variety is suitable for cooking. Special varieties of onions sold in specialized stores are intended for planting.

How to choose onions

Onions must be selected according to several criteria. First, the appearance of the bulbs plays an important role. Secondly, you should try to study the aroma of the onion. Thirdly, to decide on a certain variety, depending on your own taste preferences.

What onions should you buy:

• the bulb must be heavy enough (if the weight of the bulb does not correspond to its size, then inside it may be dry or infested with parasites);
• there should be no spots, dots or traces of insect activity on the husk and surface of the bulb (there should also be no mechanical damage or cracks on the bulb);
• the surface of the onions must be dry and sufficiently firm;
• the lighter the onion, the more spicy taste it will have;
• red onions are stored less than white and golden ones (this nuance should be taken into account if onions are purchased for long-term storage);
• the aroma of onions should be weak and not pungent (the aroma should be “onion” and not contain extraneous odors);
• the husk of any kind of onion must be shiny (the lack of gloss indicates the low quality of the onion, its excessively long storage or improper transportation conditions);
• there should be no moist areas on the surface of onions (if such places have a pungent smell, then the onion is definitely spoiled);
• the optimal size of a good bulb can be within 3-5 cm (other options may have impaired taste characteristics);
• in the area of ​​the roots of a good onion, there should be no plaque, no signs of mold, or too much soil.

What onions should not be bought:

• if the onion is soft to the touch, this may be a sign of too much husk or spoilage of the onion;
• you should not buy onions if the weight of the onion does not match its size;
• it is not recommended to buy onions with sprouts (sprouts take the juice from the onion, so its consistency may be disturbed);
• onion sprouts may be signs of improper storage;
• you should not buy onions if the head is too large, there are moist areas on it, white roots and green sprouts are visible (such an onion has already begun to sprout, so there will be little juiciness in it, and moist spots indicate the approach of the decay process);
• if the onion has a pungent or too intense odor, then most likely it is damaged or spoiled;
• you should not buy onions if the heads are too large or, conversely, very small (in the first case, there is a possibility of using chemical components during cultivation, and in the second, there is a sign of over-grading);
• mold or plaque on the roots of the onion indicates that it is spoiled (and the use of such onions in food can be dangerous to health).

You can often see large bulbs on the shelves of shops, on which there is practically no husk. You can buy such a bow, but you should take into account some of the nuances. Heads with a minimum amount of husk will need to be eaten as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will dry out quickly and lose their juiciness. It is necessary to examine such a bow more closely. The bulbs must be firm, undamaged and free from the slightest signs of deterioration.