Nutritional value

Antibiotic powers, and help lower cholestrol. Fibre, vitamin B6, folate, potassium and manganese, and a good source of vitamin C. Essential amino acids, such as lysine.

Storage

Up to two months in a cool, dry, airy place. Or pop them in a paper bag in the veg rack.

Season

Available all year round in one form or another, fresh - August to September.

Choose

Ones heavy for their size, with dry and papery skin. Avoid those with soft black spots (mildew) or that are sprouting.

Uses

Salads, soups, pickling, stuffed, bhaji, chutneys, tarts - the list is endless.

Recipe

Caramalised Onion Soup

Refridgerating onions makes them soften

Allium cepa

White, yellow, purple, brown, red, spring, Spanish, shallots - onions come in a variety of colours, strength, shapes and sizes. Think of a country that does not use onion as an essential ingredient?

A member of the allium genus, along with leeks and garlic (and beautiful ornamental alliums), cultivation probably dates back to ancient Egypt aorund 3200 BC.

The distinct onion smell comes from alkyl sulphides.

Before freezing onoins, peel and chop. Expect them to be a little mushy when defrosted.

We sell red and yellow onions, spring and shallot (in season). Plus, locally sourced garlic.