Region of Origin
Commodity:
Onion Pearl
Description & Origin
“True” pearl onions are related to leeks and grow as multiple bulbs on a single plant. Many commercially grown pearl onions are actually young onions (the same varieties sold as large, mature onions) that have been grown in dense rows to keep the bulbs stunted at a petite size. Both types can be used interchangeably. Pearl onions are usually harvested at around 1-3 centimeters in diameter, smaller...
Other Names
Cocktail Onions, Picklers, Baby Onions (UK), Button Onions
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Pearl onions, like all onions, contain quercetin (a powerful antioxidant) and organosulfur compounds that offer unique health benefits. They are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, and calcium.
Our Varieties
Onion Pearl Gold
Description
Gold pearl onions are the pearl-sized equivalent of a yellow onion. They have a thin, yellow-tan skin and white flesh. Gold pearl onions are the most pungent variety, with a distinct, sharp pop of onion flavor. Fresh gold pearl onions have exceptional flavor and texture, uncompromised by chemical washes used to sterilize pre-peeled or pre-cut items.
Variety Tips & Tricks
The pungent flavor of gold pearl onions makes them the best candidate for inclusion in braises, stews, casseroles, or gratins in which a strong onion taste is needed to stand up to hearty ingredients.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Onion Pearl Red
AKA: Ulli / Kunjulli (India)
Description
Fresh red pearl onions have a burgundy-red, thin, papery skin and flesh tinged with pink-red pigment. Red pearl onions combine the sweetness of a white pearl onion with the pungency of a gold pearl onion. While they cannot beat either in one or the other, they offer an attractive compromise. When cooked, red pearl onions become a muted purple color, much like large red onions. Fresh red pearl onions have exceptional flavor and texture, uncompromised by chemical washes used to sterilize pre-peeled or pre-cut items.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Red pearl onions are popularly used in India where they are often referred to as shallots. They are used in a variety of traditional curries and sambars, cooked with coconut and variety of aromatic spices until they become meltingly tender and sweet. Also excellent in braises, stews, casseroles, and other dishes. Try grilled in any application where red onions would be preferred.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Onion Pearl Red Peeled
Description
Red pearl onions, which are widely used in Indian cuisine, are offered pre-peeled for convenience.
Variety Tips & Tricks
It is recommended that peeled onions be washed before use. Note that some browning on the cut tips of peeled pearl onions is inevitable.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Onion Pearl White
Description
White pearl onions are the most common type of pearl onion. They are the mildest and sweetest of the bunch with a crispy, juicy flesh, making them exceptionally versatile. Fresh white pearl onions have exceptional flavor and texture, uncompromised by chemical washes used to sterilize pre-peeled or pre-cut items.
Variety Tips & Tricks
The mild, sweet flavor of white pearl onions makes them excellent candidates for pickling. In fact, white pearl onions are the primary onion used to make pickled cocktail onions, which are a popular garnish for charcuterie boards, raclette parties, and cocktails. They are also excellent creamed, glazed, grilled, or served raw – all applications in which their sweetness and tenderness will be put to good use.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Onion Pearl White Peeled
Description
White pearl onions are so widely used and popular that a pre-peeled version is offered for convenience.
Variety Tips & Tricks
It is recommended that peeled onions be washed before use. Note that some browning on the cut tips of peeled pearl onions is inevitable.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Pearl onions are extremely versatile. They can be used raw, but are most often pickled or cooked. They are perfect candidates for roasting, braising, sautéing, or grilling. They can be added to soups, stews, braises, curries, and casseroles. While larger than a boiler onion, pearl onions are often creamed or glazed and served as a side dish. They can also be skewered and grilled as part of a kebab. As tangy pickles, white pearl onions are a common accompaniment to raclette and other Central European dishes. Red pearl onions are common in Indian cuisine, where they are often referred to as shallots, and used in a variety of curries and sambars.
Flavor Pairings
English Pea, Green Bean, Potato, Garlic, Nutmeg, Thyme, Sage, Coconut, Tamarind, Coriander Seed, Mustard, Balsamic Vinegar, Cream, Butter, Raclette, Parmesan, Bacon, Beef, Chicken
How to Prepare
Pearl onions can be purchased peeled or fresh. Fresh pearl onions can be peeled by trimming the end and dropping in boiling water for two minutes. Quickly drip into an ice bath, then allow to drain. Using fingertips to squeeze the pearl onion, the skin should slip right off and the onion is ready for use.
How to Store in the Kitchen
Store fresh pearl onions in a cool, dry environment with other onions and garlic, away from ethylene producing items like bananas. Peeled pearl onions must be refrigerated and should be used as soon as possible.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Use pearl onion skins in vegetable or meat stocks to add flavor. Peeled pearl onions can also be frozen or pickled for future use.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
32°F
TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
65-70%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes – Very Low
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes – Low
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Onions are somewhat sensitive to ethylene, which can encourage sprouting and decay.
Quality Assessment
Fresh pearl onions should be firm with smooth skin, free from softness, mold, or decay. Internal flesh should be white and crisp with a distinct onion scent. Peeled pearl onions should be free from excessive browning on cut tips and sprouting.
Important Handling
Fresh onions must be stored in a dry environment in order to maximize shelf life.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, pearl onions may last up to 1 month.
