Description
Allium cepa Yes, the onion is an herb. While there are some people that can't eat onions, in most kitchens of the world it is considered to be almost a staple. It is unknown where the onion originated, but a good guess would be central Asia. It is now grown worldwide. There are many variations in the onion family. These variations include color, red, yellow and white, as well as tastes. It is one of the ingredients in a mirepoix or mirepois. This mixture of diced onions, carrots and celery is used to season sauces, soups and stews. It is also used as a base or bed for braising meats or fish. Here is a short list of the varieties of onions, green onions, dry onions, Bermuda onions, Spanish onions, red or Italian onions, globe onions (very strong), Maui onions, Vidalia onions, Texas onions, Walla Walla onions, Oso Sweet onions, Rio sweet onions, pearl onions, boiling onions. The young green onion is also known as scallions. Onions may be found in almost as many varieties of processed stages. There is fresh, onion powder, onion salt, onion flakes and onion flavoring cubes. The onion is a member of the lily (allium) family. This is the powdered version.