Spring Entertaining is Sweeter with Texas Onions Savvy grocers are clearing floor space for the arrival of spring's most perfect produce. And we're not talking fruit. We're talking Texas SpringSweet and Texas 1015 SuperSweet Onions, the sweetest, mildest and biggest onions in the country. The first of these juicy bulbs appear in March and are available through June. Although short in season, these sweet, succulent onions are long on flavor.
Texas SpringSweet and Texas 1015 SuperSweet Onions Reign During Spring
Each year, consumers flock to their local market to snatch their share of these much-anticipated designer onions. As a result, there's a spring revival of onion dishes, utilizing the vegetable both cooked and raw. So, when Texans and consumes across the country entertain this spring, there'll be a whole lot of onion eating going on.
Texas SpringSweet and 1015 SuperSweet Onions are delicious raw as the star of spring salads and sandwiches. Their delicate, perfectly shaped rings are mild-flavored and distinctively sweet. And, their crisp texture and crunch beg to be featured in an array of easy-to-make hors d'oeuvres.
This spring, add onions to your entertaining menu with some zesty Texas-style recipes beginning with a Lone Star State rendition of the ever-popular quiche, updated in Texas Onion Pepper Tart. Developed by the South Texas Onion Committee, the tart features sweet Texas onions, red peppers, green chiles and cheese. The use of half-and-half reduces fat without sacrificing the rich flavors and smooth texture of this classic dish.
To impress even the most discriminating palate, serve a refreshing Pineapple Onion Salsa that can be paired with a variety of foods. This bold-flavored salsa combines Texas spring onions, red and green bell peppers, pineapple and cilantro, creating a colorful, crunchy and low-fat dish.
Use this all-purpose salsa as a dip for chips and vegetables or serve as a topping for entrees such as grilled meat, poultry or fish. The salsa recipe is paired with another Lone Star State favorite - grilled quesadillas. Sandwich mellow Monterey Jack and/or feta cheese and sauteed Texas onions between flour tortillas; grill or pan-fry them until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden brown. Then top with a blanket of low-fat sour cream and a crown of Pineapple Onion Salsa.
Any way you slice or dice them, Texas SpringSweet and 1015 SuperSweet Onions are among the season's sweetest, most versatile vegetables. The only time tears will be shed for these sweet onions is when the season's limited supply runs out in June.