Onions and Shallots

Onions are an excellent source of Vitamin C and are a flavourful base to many recipes. BCfresh grows local shallots and imports onions from Canada and the Pacific Northwest year-round to suit almost any need.

Shallots

Info

Shallots, onions, and garlic are all classified under the genus, Allium. Shaped like garlic cloves, but larger, these flavour enhancers taste somewhere between garlic and onion.

Select:
Coppery, red skin
Firm and heavy
Avoid shallots with soft spots or ones that are sprouting

Availability

Local BCfresh shallots are available August through March. shallots-availability

Nutrition

Shallots are high in vitamin A and C, iron, and calcium. Shallots contain more antioxidants than onions.

Nutrition Information

Per 80 g serving size of carrots
Energy 36 cal
Protein 0.7 g
Fat 0.2 g

Carbohydrates 23 g
Dietary Fibre 2.7 g
Sodium 5 mg
Potassium 729 mg

Source: Fresh Fruit & Vegetable nutrition Encyclopedia Fresh for Flavor Foundation 1991.

Best used for

Cooked in sauces
Raw in vinaigrettes and mayonnaise
Sauté, stir-fry, roast whole
Marinated garnish for fresh oysters

Raw, sauté, stir-fry, roast, grill.

Care/Storage

Store onions in a dry, cool, well-ventilated location. Do not store near vegetables that absorb odors. Onions keep at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or in a cool, dry location for up to 2 months.

Yellow Onions

Info

Yellow onions are a good all-purpose onion. They are sweet and juicy with a meaty flesh.

Select:
Round or oval in shape
Bright colour
Firm texture
Larger onions, as they are easier for slicing, although size does not determine the quality

Availability

Imported Bestfresh onions are available year round. onion-availability

Nutrition

Yellow onions are often overlooked for their antioxidants, medicinal properties, and nutrient value. High in vitamin B6 and folate – both important for brain function. Also high in vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.

Nutrition Information

Per 80 g serving size of carrots
Energy 36 cal
Protein 0.7 g
Fat 0.2 g

Carbohydrates 23 g
Dietary Fibre 2.7 g
Sodium 5 mg
Potassium 729 mg

Source: Fresh Fruit & Vegetable nutrition Encyclopedia Fresh for Flavor Foundation 1991.

Best used for

French Onion Soup
Raw in salads
Stir-fries, soups, onion rings

A side dish, either braised, baked, scalloped, grilled, stuffed, or sautéed

Care/Storage

Store onions in a dry, cool, well-ventilated location. Do not store near vegetables that absorb odors. Onions keep at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or in a cool, dry location for up to 2 months.

Red Onions

Per 80 g serving size of carrots
Energy 36 cal
Protein 0.7 g
Fat 0.2 g

Carbohydrates 23 g
Dietary Fibre 2.7 g
Sodium 5 mg
Potassium 729 mg

Source: Fresh Fruit & Vegetable nutrition Encyclopedia Fresh for Flavor Foundation 1991.

Best used for

Sliced raw in salads, burgers, sandwiches

Baked, scalloped, grilled, stuffed, sautéed, marinades

Care/Storage

Store onions in a dry, cool, well-ventilated location. Do not store near vegetables that absorb odors. Onions keep at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or in a cool, dry location for up to 2 months