Onions add flavor to practically everything, they're available year-round, they're cheap--who cares if they sometimes make us cry?
When to Buy the Freshest Onions
Yellow and Spanish onions are available fresh year-round. Some varieties of sweet onion are more seasonal.
How to Choose Onions at the Store
Choose firm onions with dry, papery skins. Avoid onions that have brown spots, which may be a sign of rotting, or onions with any emerging sprouts.
How to Chop Onions
Watch this short video, How to Peel and Chop Onions, or read this step-by-step article on dicing onions.
How to Store Onions
Store whole onions anywhere cool, dry, and out of the sun. They can keep for months. For partially-used onions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or in a sealed container, and refrigerate. The onions will keep for two or three days.
How to Grow Onions
Onions like cool weather, and can be planted and harvested earlier than most garden vegetables. They need sun and fertile, well-draining soil. There are two types of onions: long-day and short-day varieties. Ask the friendly folks at your local garden center which type grows best in your area.