Texas sweet onions are delicious served raw in salads, sandwiches, burgers, salsas and dips. For even milder flavor, add them to cooked dishes including casseroles, pizzas, pastas and egg dishes. Texas sweet onions can be used in virtually any recipe calling for onions.
What makes these onions so sweet?
Texas sweet onions have been bred to contain very little pyruvate, the chemical that causes tears and strong flavors. The sweetest of the onion varieties, 1015 SuperSweet Onions, took 10 years of research to produce. But it was worth the wait. The 1015 SuperSweet captured the title of the sweetest-tasting onion in national competition. Its numerical moniker is derived from the ideal planting date - October 15.
Selection & Storage
Look for Texas onions with shiny, thin skins and tight, dry necks. These onions have a high water content (thus giving them their juicy characteristics) and require extra care when storing. To maintain quality, store in a well-ventilated area in a single layer or in hosiery with a knot separating each onion. Texas sweet onions will remain fresh up to 30 days from harvest when stored properly.
For the Health Of It
As consumers look for new ways to add flavor without fat to their home-cooked meals, many turn to the versatile onion. For centuries, onions have been favored for distinct flavor and culinary appeal. Today, home cooks have another reason for eating these sweet-tasting globes: They're good for you! Researchers have proven that onions have naturally occurring compounds that lower blood pressure and cholesterol, aid in stopping dangerous blood clotting and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Additionally, they provide vitamin C, several B vitamins and folic acid. They're also low in calories; one medium-size onion contains only 60 calories.
Nutrition Facts
- Onion Recipes
- Fresh Texas Onion Salsa
- Texas SpringSweet Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
- Slice Texas SpringSweet or 1015 SuperSweet Onions and separate into rings. Layer with sliced tomatoes; sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with rice wine vinegar.
- Fill half of a flour tortilla with shredded, nonfat mozzarella cheese, diced green chilies and diced Texas onions. Fold tortilla; place in nonstick skillet and cook on both sides until tortilla browns and cheese melts. Cut into 3 triangles and top with fresh salsa.
- Add chopped Texas onions to nonfat sour cream and ranch dressing dip. Mix well; chill and serve with cruites or low-fat chips.
- Toss diced Texas onions with torn salad greens, sliced pears and crumbled blue cheese. Dress with low-fat vinaigrette.
- Grill hamburgers or turkey burgers, place on hamburger buns and top with nonfat cheese and sliced Texas onions and tomatoes.
- Cut Texas onions into wedges. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap in aluminum foil and grill over hot coals for 45 to 60 minutes, opening packet during last 5 minutes.