Onions are versatile seasonings with storage talent
26 June 2025
There are countless varieties of onion, each with its own flavour, colour and application:
- Yellow onion: the classic in almost every kitchen. Spicy raw, but during frying it turns into a soft, sweet seasoning.
- Red onion: slightly milder than the yellow variety, with a beautiful colour. Perfect for salads, sandwiches or grilled on the barbecue.
- White onion: slightly sweeter and juicier, this onion is common in Mexican and Asian dishes.
- Italian onion: recognisable by its elongated shape and powerful flavour. Ideal for stews or as a tasty addition to pasta.
- Silver onion: small, crunchy and deliciously sour pickled. A classic with stews or as a fresh snack with a drinks board.
- Spring onion: fresh, mild and both the white and green parts are edible. Ideal to add raw to salads or as a topping on soups.
- Shallot: delicate, elegant and slightly sweet in flavour. Perfect for vinaigrettes, sauces or in classic French dishes.
So each variety of onion has its own character. From robust to subtle, giving you endless variation in the kitchen.
Creamy pasta with broccoli and chicken
Main course
20 - 30 minutes
What the onion can do in the kitchen
Onions are the silent force behind countless dishes. They are often the aromatic foundation of sauces, soups, curries and stews. A fried onion adds depth to your stew, a sautéed onion kicks off a rich pasta sauce, and a finely chopped raw red onion can give a salad that extra bite and colour.
Onions have the unique ability to transform during cooking: from sharp and teary in their raw form, to mild, creamy and sweet the longer they are fried or stewed. As a result, they fit into almost every kitchen in the world. From Dutch pot to Indian curry, from French quiche to Mexican salsa.
Not to mention, onions are nutritious too! They contain fibre, vitamin C and natural antioxidants.
Corn salad with crispy bacon strips
Main course
10 - 20 minutes
Why Dutch onions are champions in shelf life
The Dutch onion is popular not only for its flavour, but also for its impressive shelf life. And that is no coincidence! The long storage time comes from a combination of natural and technological factors:
1. Climate and soil: a golden combination
By nature, the Netherlands has an ideal onion climate. The long day length during the summer months ensures that onions have enough time to grow and ripen. Add to this the fertile clay soil, rich in minerals, and you have a perfect breeding ground for firm, storable onions.
2. Temperate weather for optimal growth
The Dutch weather, not too hot and not too dry, ensures steady and controlled growth. As a result, the onions develop a firm skin and low moisture content, which is essential for long storage.
3. Smart storage technique
After harvesting, the process does not stop. Dutch growers use advanced storage techniques. Think controlled temperature, humidity and ventilation. This keeps the onions in top condition for up to nine months, without loss of quality or flavour.
Green beans with shallot dressing
Main course
20 - 30 minutes
