Onion

Onions are one of the most essential and flavorful ingredients in everyday cooking. Their savory, slightly sweet taste forms the base of countless dishes across cultures and cuisines. Whether sautéed, roasted, grilled, or eaten raw, onions add depth and aroma to meals while offering a surprising number of health-supporting nutrients. At Benefit Market, onions are a kitchen staple that bring both flavor and value to your meals.

Nutritional Benefits

Onions are low in calories but rich in beneficial plant compounds and nutrients. One medium onion contains about 45 calories and provides a small amount of fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain regularity.

Onions are particularly high in vitamin C, which supports immune health, collagen production, and iron absorption. They also offer modest amounts of vitamin B6 and folate, which play important roles in metabolism and energy production.

One of the most notable benefits of onions comes from their antioxidant content—especially quercetin, a powerful flavonoid that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Onions also contain sulfur compounds, which give them their distinctive smell and are thought to support detoxification and immune defense.

Serving Tips

Onions are incredibly versatile and can be used in virtually every type of dish. When raw, they offer a sharp, crisp bite that works well in salads, sandwiches, salsas, and slaws. For a milder flavor, soak sliced raw onions in cold water for 10 minutes before serving.

Sautéing onions brings out their natural sweetness and softens their texture. Start many savory recipes—like soups, stews, pasta sauces, and stir-fries—by cooking chopped onions in a bit of oil or butter for a flavorful foundation.

Roasting onions concentrates their flavor. Cut them into wedges or thick slices, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and roast at 400°F until golden brown. Grilled onions also make a delicious topping for burgers, tacos, or grain bowls.

Caramelizing onions is another popular method. Cook thin slices slowly over low heat until they turn a deep golden brown. This process brings out their natural sugars and creates a rich, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with meats, eggs, or roasted vegetables.

Onions can also be pickled for a bright, tangy addition to salads, tacos, and sandwiches.

Health Suggestions

Adding onions to your meals is an easy way to boost nutrition and flavor without extra calories. They’re a natural choice for plant-forward meals and fit well into vegetarian, heart-healthy, and low-calorie diets.

To enjoy onions without digestive discomfort, start with smaller portions and always cook thoroughly, as cooked onions are often easier to digest than raw ones.

Pair onions with other vegetables and whole grains to create balanced meals. Use onions to enhance the flavor of dishes naturally, reducing the need for excess salt or heavy sauces.

At Benefit Market, onions are a go-to ingredient for elevating everyday meals. With their rich flavor, nutritional benefits, and adaptability, onions are a timeless kitchen essential you’ll reach for again and again.

 
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