We compare the difference between red onions and regular ones and choose the best one

Onions are one of the most useful and often used crops in cooking. Wherein varieties, differing in shape, taste, beneficial properties and even color - hundreds. And if the taste of onions with golden scales is familiar to most, then white and red onions raise many questions: which one is sweeter or spicier, whether they are suitable for canning, raw salads and heat treatment, is there a difference in agricultural technology.

Read about all this and much more regarding the differences between red, white and regular onions in our article.

What is the difference between red and white onions?

Onion heads differ in appearance, keeping quality, taste, composition and effect on the human body.

White onions have a neat spherical shape, creamy, snowy or grayish scales. The color of the colored bulbs varies from purple and burgundy tones to cool pink, and the shape can be round, oblong or, conversely, flattened.

White varieties are more susceptible to rotting, and their shelf life does not exceed 10-12 weeks. Red bulbs are stored much longer - up to six months.

Reference! As for the calorie content, it is almost the same for all varieties and is: for a red vegetable 41-42 kcal per 100 g, for a white vegetable - 45 kcal.

Differences in properties and composition

The chemical composition of any onion contains vitamins, essential oils, and beneficial microelements. However, the content of some of them may vary.

Table: Amount of useful elements in red and white onions

In addition, white onions contain 0.1 mg of pantothenic acid and 0.5 mg of niacin. The purple-pink pulp contains vitamin E in the amount of 0.2 mg, thiamine - 0.05 mg, as well as small amounts of chromium, zinc and iron.

Reference. White onions have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Its red counterpart also has antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties.

Difference in benefits and harms

Despite the fact that the composition of both varieties is similar, they have different effects on the human body. When consumed in moderation, red turnips can lower blood sugar levels. White pulp is effective in the fight against cholesterol plaques.

Reference! Excessive consumption of raw white onions - more than 200-300 g per day - can lead to increased blood pressure and stomach acidity.

How do they differ in taste and aroma?

They also differ in taste characteristics.

White has a rich flavor (ranging from mild to spicy) with a slight sweetness. The usual onion bitterness is practically absent.

The heads of the red vegetable, thanks to the variety of varieties, have a completely different taste: from soft and sweet to scorching hot and even bitter.

Reference! White onions have a bright and memorable aroma. The smell of red is lighter and also disappears during heat treatment.

Comparison of cultivation nuances

Their cultivation is not much different.However, in red onions, the fibrous rhizome is deeper into the soil, while in white onions, the root system lies close to the surface of the earth. Therefore, you need to carefully loosen and water seedlings of white varieties, otherwise you can damage the fragile roots or cause them to rot and kill the crop.

Features of the use of red and white onions

Onions are one of the healthiest vegetables, which are actively used in cooking, folk medicine and cosmetology.

In cooking

White and purple varieties are actively used in cooking. Both varieties can be cooked, eaten raw and canned.

Red “turnips” with a light aroma are often used raw for fresh salads and snacks. White due to its rich odor, which does not evaporate when exposed to heat, is used for preparations first and second courses, sauces, as well as canning mushrooms, vegetables, white cabbage starter.

In folk medicine

Both varieties have bactericidal, antifungal and antioxidant effects, helping to fight infectious diseases. For example, during an inflammatory process in the ear, finely chopped white onions are wrapped in cloth and applied to the ear until the pain subsides.

When coughing and stagnation of phlegm in the bronchi, a paste of crushed white or red onion is mixed with a few drops of coconut oil, applied as a compress to the chest and covered with film and a towel.

Reference. To prevent ARVI, it is enough to consume 50 g of red or white onions for a month in the morning and evening.

Masks made from crushed white onions are used to treat acne. The paste can be applied directly to the affected areas of the skin in a layer of approximately 2 mm for 10-15 minutes.To relieve inflammation and accelerate skin regeneration, it is recommended to apply a mask made from 30 g of grated onion mixed with the same amount of honey for a quarter of an hour, then rinse with warm water.

Onions are indispensable in the fight against female and male diseases. For menstrual irregularities, take 100 ml of onion peel infusion twice a day for a week.

How to prepare the decoction:

1. Mix 30 g of dried cloves and 90 g of red onion peel.
2. Place the mixture in an enamel pan and add 500 ml of filtered water.
3. Bring to a boil over low heat. Boil for 10 minutes.
4. Cool, strain.

White onion juice (200 ml), mixed with natural honey in a 1:1 ratio, will relieve prostate hypertrophy. You need to take 30 g of the mixture twice a day for a month (morning and evening). The vegetable is also effective in fighting worms.

The product is prepared as follows:

1. Finely chop 200 g of red onion.
2. Pour 200 ml of warm water.
3. Leave the composition for 8 hours.
4. Strain.

Take the infusion for five days early in the morning on an empty stomach.

The vegetable will also help with migraines. To do this, a white onion cut in half is applied to the temples and tightly secured with a bandage. To prevent headaches, the procedure is carried out twice a day for four days.

To stimulate hair growth and prevent dandruff, you will need red onion. The gruel (50 g) is rubbed into the hair roots once a week.

The crushed vegetable is recommended to be applied to the affected area of ​​the skin to relieve itching and pain from insect bites.

Which bow and when to choose

The taste of red onions, depending on the variety, can be bitter, sweet, spicy or delicate. It is recommended to choose it for preparing salads, cold soups, snacks, etc.Sweet varieties of white onions Globo and Comet are also suitable as an alternative.

To add to pies, hot dishes, and canned food, it is preferable to choose spicy varieties and hybrids of white vegetables, for example, Bello blanca F1, Alba.

Those with type 2 diabetes are advised to eat red onions more often - they lower blood sugar levels. White is recommended for use by older people who are overweight - it is effective in the fight against cholesterol plaques.

What common

The main common feature of all varieties of onions is their benefits for human health, thanks to their rich composition. Both red and white onions strengthen the immune system, but can also aggravate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, heart and kidneys.

Reference! Both types of vegetables are not recommended to be added to food for children under two years of age due to their aggressive effect on the mucous membranes.

Which onion is healthier?

Nutritionists believe that red onions have several properties more usefulthan white. It contains more vitamins and beneficial microelements, it helps with infectious diseases, in the treatment of wounds, burns, calluses and corns, hair loss and baldness.

Its regular consumption in moderate quantities (no more than 200 g per day) stimulates the production of red blood cells and improves immunity, reduces sugar and cholesterol levels. It does not cause fluctuations in blood pressure and does not affect the cardiovascular system.

People often consume red vegetables fresh, which means they get more useful elements.

Conclusion

Whatever color the onion is, scientists and doctors confirm its enormous benefits for the human body.However, onions have a number of contraindications: high blood pressure, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, liver, age under two years.

You should use onions with caution during pregnancy and lactation.